The Islamabad High Court has initiated contempt of court proceedings in response to a social media campaign targeting Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri.
Chief Justice Amir Farooq of the Islamabad High Court expressed a strong stance against the disparaging campaign, underscoring that such contemptuous actions against judges will not be tolerated. He raised concerns about the government’s possible involvement, citing the lack of response from the Attorney General and the Minister of Law as potentially indicative of their collaboration.
Chief Justice Farooq declared a firm resolution to pursue those behind the campaign, stating, “Enough is enough. I will not let those responsible go unpunished.” He affirmed that the judiciary’s decision to address this matter reflects its commitment to upholding the dignity of its members, indicating that those implicated in the campaign could face significant consequences, including potential incarceration at Adiala Jail during the summer.
Furthermore, the court has issued contempt notices to several individuals linked to the campaign, including Ammar Solangi, Ghairat Farooqi, and Hasan Ayub, signalling a serious judicial response to these allegations. The case hearing has been postponed until after the summer break, allowing time for further investigation and preparation.
This case is notable as it involves the assembly of seven judges, a measure that underscores the gravity with which the court views the situation. Preparations for this significant judicial assembly have included meticulous checks and cleaning to ensure the courtroom is aptly set up for the proceedings, marking a critical moment in the court’s history.