PBC seeks SC’s help to protect freedom of media

Says increasing trend of suppressing free speech, curbing independence of media witnessed

ISLAMABAD:

The Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) has requested the Supreme Court to protect the rights of citizens and freedom of press and media as guaranteed under the constitution.

"We have lately witnessed an increasing trend of suppressing the free speech, curbing independence of media, enforced disappearance of persons known for criticising the governmental actions and victimisation of people on political grounds through the misuse of law. I request you to please look into this and intervene to protect the rights of the citizens and freedom of press and media, guaranteed under the Constitution," PBC Vice-Chairman Abid Saqi said in his speech on the eve of New Judicial Year (2020-2021).

Referring to Musharraf’s case, he noted that judicial matters pertaining to high treason against the former military dictator were also pending before the apex court.

"We request your honour very kindly to decide upon them as early as possible," he said.

Saqi maintained that review petitions filed by the PBC, Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and others in the case of Justice Qazi Faez Isa had still not been fixed.

"My Lords, the legal fraternity is deeply concerned regarding this matter. We request you to kindly fix the review petitions as early as possible," he said.

The PBC vice-chairman observed that petition pertaining to the judgement passed in Land Reforms Case had been pending since long.

“This is most humbly submitted to constitute an appropriate bench for decision on this important matter. This will go a long way to mitigate the unending suffering and plight of the landless in Pakistan, and will give hope to the dispossessed millions.”

He also proposed that appropriate amendments be made in the Supreme Court Rules, 1980, such that, the decision to initiate proceedings under Article 184 (3) be taken by the chief justice and the four (4) most senior Judges of the Supreme Court.

"Once the decision is taken, with the majority, the Honourable Chief Justice will of course constitute a Bench to hear the matter,” he said.

President of SCBA Syed Qalb-e-Hassan in his address urged the top court to take notice of social media campaign against judges especially Justice Qazi Faez Isa.

He said the government was victimising its political opponents through its “ongoing onslaught”, which was unprecedented, and asked the judiciary should protect the legal and constitutional rights of people.

The SCBA president also lauded Justice Maqbool Baqar’s judgment in Saad Rafiques’ case.

He expressed serious concern over the informal deliberations regarding nominees for the appointment of judges in the Lahore High Court (LHC) and observed that the names recommended by the LHC chief justice should be placed before the Commission of Pakistan (JCP).