On April 08, the Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court (IHC), Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar, said that the media “must avoid twisting facts or creating sensational narratives” in court reporting. During an oath-taking ceremony for the newly elected office-bearers of the Islamabad High Court Journalists Association, the chief justice highlighted the media’s critical role in shaping public perception of the judiciary.

Justice Dogar pointed out that the media acts as a vital link between the judiciary, the public, and opinion makers.

The chief justice expressed concern over instances where the essence of judicial decisions was either misunderstood or presented in a manner that generated unnecessary hype. He criticised some commentators who form opinions based on secondary interpretations rather than the judgments themselves, which can lead to misinformation.

Furthermore, Justice Dogar urged the media to cover not only high-profile cases but also the challenges faced by ordinary litigants. He emphasised the importance of balanced reporting, stating that while court decisions may inherently favour one party over another, journalists must maintain neutrality and avoid appearing biased.

During the event, Justice Raja Inaam Ameen Minhas also addressed the gathering, congratulating the newly elected President of the IHC Journalists Association, Asad Malik, Secretary Asif Naveed, and other office bearers. Justice Minhas echoed Chief Justice Dogar’s sentiments, urging court reporters to uphold their responsibility in reporting judicial proceedings to bolster public confidence in the judiciary.