Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa raised serious concerns on Monday, stating that state institutions are being manipulated for the sake of social media attention, where “likes and dislikes” have taken precedence over the sanctity of these institutions. He highlighted how prominent thumbnails and other promotional content are being crafted on social media to exploit critical matters related to the judiciary.
This remark was made during the hearing of a contempt case against Luqman Ali Afzal, a restaurant owner accused of running a social media campaign against a Supreme Court decision regarding commercial activities in the Margalla Hills National Park. The court is investigating the illegal expansion of a housing society in the national park, with Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan also part of the three-member bench.
The case brought up further issues about encroachments, with Umer Gillani, counsel for the Wildlife Management Board, presenting evidence of the illegal occupation of land in the national park. The court expressed frustration over the apparent paralysis of state machinery in addressing such blatant illegalities, particularly when powerful individuals, allegedly backed by influential figures like former ISI DG Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed, are involved.
CJP Isa condemned the practice of attacking institutions and judges on social media, urging for responsible criticism of judgments rather than undermining the integrity of the judiciary. The case was adjourned, with the court seeking further documentation regarding land ownership and building approvals related to the Margalla Hills encroachments.
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