Pakistan Bar Council Urges Media Balance, Condemns Threats to Journalists
The Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) released a statement on March 11 emphasizing the importance of media independence while urging a balanced approach to reporting. The PBC condemned threats against journalists and attempts to suppress free speech in Pakistan.
PBC Vice Chairman Riazat Ali Sahar and Executive Committee Chairman Farooq Hamid Naek stressed that freedom of expression and an independent judiciary are cornerstones of democracy. They highlighted concerns about journalists facing threats while fulfilling their professional duties and denounced efforts to silence independent reporting.
In a joint statement, both leaders voiced their concerns about professional journalists facing threats and obstacles while performing their duties within the boundaries of the judiciary, thus impeding their fundamental rights.
While asserting the crucial role of the media, the PBC underscored the need to prevent the spread of malicious or slanderous information. They stated, “No individual, including those within the media, should be permitted to engage in unethical practices or levy baseless allegations, particularly against esteemed judges of the superior judiciary.”
In January, notices were issued by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to several dozen journalists and media professionals for being part of an “explicit and malicious campaign against Honorable Judges of [the] Supreme Court of Pakistan.” On February 26, journalist and YouTuber Asad Ali Toor was arrested by FIA in connection to the alleged smear campaign.
The PBC emphasized the importance of impartial justice, free from external interference, and vowed to remain vigilant in defending freedom of expression and judicial independence.
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