ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) commenced contempt of court proceedings on Monday in response to a social media campaign targeting Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri.

A seven-member bench, led by Chief Justice Amir Farooq and including Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, Justice Babar Sattar, Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan, Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir, and Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz, heard the case. Justice Jahangiri was not part of the full court bench.

At the beginning of the hearing, Additional Attorney General Munawar Iqbal was summoned to the court’s rostrum to present the government’s position on the matter.

Chief Justice Amir Farooq voiced concern over the government’s silence regarding the social media campaign against judges, suggesting that the government might be behind it. Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb echoed this sentiment, questioning the Additional Attorney General about the government’s apparent involvement due to its silence.

The Islamabad High Court issued notices to the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra), the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), and three journalists, and adjourned the hearing until after the summer recess.

Yesterday, the IHC Bar Association condemned the recent social media campaign against Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri, describing it as malicious and damaging.

The Bar Association praised Justice Jahangiri as a competent and diligent judge with a distinguished career as a lawyer and Deputy Attorney General, emphasizing his dedication and professional achievements.

The IHC Bar Association reaffirmed its commitment to judicial independence and autonomy, highlighting the importance of supporting the judiciary against unfounded attacks. Notably, a letter allegedly from the Karachi University’s controller of examinations about Justice Jahangiri’s law degree, and the subsequent filing of a reference with the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), has been circulating on social media.