LHC distinguishes criticism from attack

Says won't allow attempts to question judges' integrity

LAHORE:

The Lahore High Court has noted that criticism aimed at correcting judicial errors is permissible. However, criticism intended to question judges' integrity and undermine public confidence in the judiciary cannot be allowed.

LHC's Justice Ali Zia Bajwa has issued a four-page written order on a petition filed against an alleged social media campaign aimed at maligning judges of the superior judiciary.

The petitioner, Advocate Parvez Elahi, had challenged the circulation of inappropriate and defamatory content against judges on social media platforms.

The court ruled that any campaign seeking to erode the independence and authority of the courts is intolerable. It noted that while the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression to citizens and the media, this freedom is subject to reasonable restrictions imposed by law.

The LHC directed all law enforcement agencies to take action strictly in accordance with the law against elements involved in defaming the judiciary. However, the court made it clear that no individual should be subjected to victimisation or retaliatory action during the process.

During the proceedings, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) informed the court that serious efforts are underway to remove anti-judiciary content from social media.

The PTA stated it remains active and in coordination with relevant law enforcement agencies, and that contemptuous material is being taken down.

The court further noted that the director general of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has submitted a report identifying individuals involved in the campaign.

The NCCIA has also arrested suspects linked to the dissemination of contemptuous content. The court adjourned further hearing of the case till January 22.

On December 22, LHC Chief Justice Aalia Neelum issued an interim order, suspending the operation of the newly enacted Punjab Protection of Ownership of Immovable Property Ordinance, 2025, which empowers deputy commissioner-led committees to decide property disputes.

The suspension of the order irked the provincial government and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and some of her cabinet members criticizing the move.

Later a social media campaign was launched against some LHC judges including Justice Aalia Neelum.

On January 10, the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) strongly condemned the campaign.

PBC Vice Chairman Tahir Nasrullah Warraich issued a statement saying that the allegations against the judges — Chief Justice Aalia Neelum and Justice Abher Gul Khan — are an attack on the prestige and dignity of the judiciary as an institution.

He said an anonymous complaint was circulated on social media with the apparent aim of targeting the two judges. One of them is the LHC chief justice, while the other is an additional judge.

The PBC vice chairman stated that this "filthy and vilification campaign" began at a time when the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) had convened a meeting to consider the confirmation of Justice Abher as a permanent judge.

He expressed concern that the NCCIA takes action on minor issues but has remained silent on this "vulgar campaign against judges".