Source: Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF), Karachi According to a press release issued by the Registrar of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, the Chief Justice nominated in March 1995 two judges of the Supreme Court to conduct a preliminary enquiry to consider the “expediency and the propriety of taking action” in light of statements and articles […]
Source: Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF), Karachi
According to a press release issued by the Registrar of the
Supreme Court of Pakistan, the Chief Justice nominated in March
1995 two judges of the Supreme Court to conduct a preliminary
enquiry to consider the “expediency and the propriety of taking
action” in light of statements and articles published in the
press criticising the appointments of judges, judicial verdicts
and the conduct of superior court judges, reports the PPF. The
Chief Justice has also directed the Registrar to bring to the
attention of the nominated judges matters involving contempt of
court published in the press. The press release added that the
Registrar has made the relevant material available to the judges
for action.
According to PPF, the appointment of judges of the superior
courts and their verdicts have become major issues in Pakistan’s
political agenda. The press has been reporting the opposition’s
criticism of the judiciary and has also been commenting
editorially on the controversial judicial appointments and
decisions. The PPF believes that the decision to initiate a probe
into criticism of the superior courts seems to be an attempt to
stifle debate on an important issue of legitimate public
interest.
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:
Please write to the authorities in Pakistan:
-reminding them that a free and unfettered press is the basis for
democracy in any country
Appeals To
Justice Sajjad Shah
Chief Justice
Supreme Court of Pakistan
Fax: +92 51 213452
