Judges’ maligning campaign challenged

A petition has been filed in Lahore High Court challenging an alleged organised social media campaign aimed at defaming judges of the superior judiciary.

The petition was filed through advocate Mian Dawood, making the Respondents the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), and other relevant departments.

The petition contends that an ongoing smear campaign on social media is specifically targeting women judges of the Lahore High Court. It is further alleged that the defamatory campaign against judges has been continuing for several weeks.

According to the petition, pro-government social media accounts are allegedly involved in a campaign against the Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court.

The petitioner claims that the campaign has been revived on social media on the basis of fake references against judges.

The plea further alleges criminal inaction by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency in the face of the ongoing social media campaign, adding that the government’s silence on the issue has also raised serious questions.

The petitioner has requested the court to order registration of criminal cases against social media accounts involved in the defamation campaign.

The petition also seeks directions for continuous monitoring of defamatory content against judges on social media and its immediate removal.