The Lahore High Court (LHC) has mandated disciplinary action against officials who facilitate media interviews of suspects in custody. This directive, issued on September 10, comes after a petition filed by Advocate Vishal Ahmed Shakir, challenging the release of videos showing suspects while in police custody.

Justice Ali Zia Bajwa presided over the hearing and emphasized that any personnel involved in allowing such interviews would face disciplinary measures. During the proceedings, key officials present included Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Dr. Athar Waheed, Cybercrime Director Hashmat Kamal, and the Director General of the Excise Department, Umar Sher Chattha.

Additional Inspector General (Investigation) Shahzada Sultan assured the court that future arrangements for interviews with suspects in custody would cease. Sultan acknowledged that publicizing suspects through media was deemed inappropriate and confirmed steps were being taken to comply with the Supreme Court’s ruling on the matter.

The LHC emphasized that while traffic wardens are authorized to issue fines under the law, recording videos of suspects and exposing them to media would result in strict actions. The court sought assurance from the police officials that field duty officers have been instructed to refrain from media interaction.

In response, officials committed to implementing the court’s order rigorously and confirmed that any officials violating these instructions would face appropriate actions. The court’s directives aim to protect the privacy and rights of individuals in custody, ensuring that investigative processes are conducted without unnecessary public exposure.