Justice Qazi Faez Isa has criticized the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) for its directive not to publish news related to judges’ conduct, stating that if this directive is brought before the Sharia court, it would even be deemed against Islam.
He argued that everyone in Pakistan is free to do whatever they want, and how can media freedom be curbed? It creates an impression that the court has silenced the people.
Justice Isa asked the Attorney General what these government institutions are. He further stated that the Supreme Court is not a government institution but a constitutional regulatory body, and PEMRA has reduced the status of the Supreme Court.
He stated that PEMRA is destroying the television industry by imposing restrictions on channels. If anyone gives false news, why doesn’t PEMRA take action against them, such as holding a session, summoning judges or magistrates against whom statements have been made?
He also commented on the previous year’s case and mentioned that the registrar did not make an effort to resolve the matter. He questioned whether anyone could even question you if you became a judge of the Supreme Court? He argued that this is precisely why the Pakistani judiciary is ranked near number 140 at the international level.
