On August 8, the Supreme Court of Pakistan has indefinitely adjourned the hearing in the suo motu case concerning the harassment of journalists by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). The case revolves around the FIA’s issuance of notices to journalists and YouTubers in January accused of running malicious campaigns and spreading disinformation against state institutions, including the judiciary.
The three-member bench, led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, was scheduled to deliberate on the matter but faced constraints due to other pressing judicial commitments. During the proceedings, Additional Attorney General informed the court that the Islamabad police had submitted a comprehensive report on the cases filed against journalists.
Barrister Salahuddin, representing the Press Association of the Supreme Court (PAS) via video link from Karachi, reported that he had not received a copy of the report and was therefore unable to examine it.
Highlighting the court’s limited time due to the Shariat Appellate Bench’s engagements, Chief Justice Isa remarked that it was not feasible to continue the hearing at this time. Consequently, the court decided to adjourn the case indefinitely, instructing the relevant authorities to ensure the implementation of the existing court orders.
During the previous hearing, Chief Justice Isa had expressed concern over the treatment of journalists in Pakistan, noting that entire books could be written about the challenges they face.
