The larger bench of the IHC, under the leadership of Justice Kayani, is setting a strong precedent by taking a firm stand against those seeking to undermine the authority of the judiciary. The court’s decision to expand the scope of contempt proceedings to include high-ranking officials or individuals attempting to approach the judges sends a clear message that any interference with the judicial process will not be tolerated. In addition, the appointment of senior anchorperson Hamid Mir, Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists president, and respected lawyers as amici curiae in the case further emphasizes the importance of transparency and public scrutiny in addressing such sensitive matters.

By involving experienced and impartial individuals in the proceedings, the court is ensuring that all aspects of the case are thoroughly examined and that justice is served without bias. As the judicial system in Pakistan navigates these challenging waters, it is crucial for all stakeholders, including the media, civil society, and government institutions, to support the efforts of the Islamabad High Court in upholding the rule of law and protecting the independence of the judiciary. Respect for the judiciary is essential for a functioning democracy and a just society.

Justice Kayani’s assertion that such actions will not be tolerated on any media platform, be it social, print, or electronic, underscores the need to safeguard the reputation and independence of the judiciary. Judges must be able to carry out their duties without fear of undue influence or coercion from external sources. Protecting the sanctity of the judicial process is essential for upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for all individuals.

The revelation that personal details of a judge, his family, and children were made public in an attempt to exert pressure on him is a blatant violation of privacy and an attack on the impartiality of the judiciary. It is imperative that the source of these leaks and the individuals responsible for running the social media smear campaign be identified and held accountable. Justice Kayani rightly pointed out that this is not just a matter of cyber warfare but a direct assault on the sanctity of the judicial process.

The recent developments in the Islamabad High Court have brought to light a disturbing trend of smear campaigns being orchestrated against senior judges through social media platforms. The actions taken by the IHC to address this issue, including the initiation of contempt of court proceedings, are crucial steps towards upholding the integrity and independence of the judiciary in Pakistan. Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani’s remarks regarding the possibility of state institutions being involved in leaking confidential data or hacking systems to perpetrate these malicious campaigns are highly concerning.

It is essential for the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and ensure that justice is served. The decision to issue notices to key government agencies such as the attorney general’s office, Federal Investigation Agency, Intelligence Bureau, Inter-Services Intelligence, and Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority demonstrates the seriousness with which the IHC is approaching this issue. By involving these institutions in the investigation, the court is signaling its commitment to uncovering the truth and preventing such incidents from recurring in the future.