ISLAMABAD: Interim Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Murtaza Solangi, disclosed that approximately 600 social media accounts have undergone investigation, leading to notices being issued to 110 individuals, including 32 journalists. This action is part of an ongoing inquiry by the Joint Investigation Team (JIT), established on January 16, to address what has been termed a “malicious campaign” against the superior judiciary.
Addressing a news conference on Sunday, Minister Solangi reported that two JIT meetings, held on January 17 and January 23, have resulted in about 100 inquiries based on the investigation into the identified social media accounts. Notices have been served to political activists, politicians, and journalists, emphasizing that no harassment or filing of first information reports (FIRs) has occurred. The minister highlighted the importance of legal processes taking their course, asserting that the actions so far have been in accordance with the law.
Solangi emphasized that freedom of expression, under Article 19 of the Constitution, has limits, particularly concerning campaigns against the armed forces and the judiciary. He characterized the ongoing matter as not mere criticism but a form of ridicule and character assassination, urging a more civil approach to criticism. The interim federal minister stressed that the government, institutions, and the higher judiciary cannot be attacked, reiterating that facts would be stated while legal questions addressed in court.
According to Solangi, the jurisdiction of the JIT is clear, formed in the present era, and aims to address issues of public opinion within the court of law. FIA Director General Ahmad Ishaq Jahangir added that the atmosphere of uncertainty had diminished after the JIT’s formation, emphasizing that registering an FIR is not mandatory for every notice issued. Jahangir noted that several individuals deleted their tweets and posts following the JIT’s establishment.
