Solangi vows action against malicious campaign on judiciary

Caretaker Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, and Parliamentary Affairs, Murtaza Solangi, on Monday pledged to take action against those involved in a malicious campaign against the superior judiciary.

In a press conference held in Islamabad, the minister emphasised that while wrongdoers would be held accountable, no individual or group would be victimized in the process.

Solangi, flanked by Director General Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Ahmed Shamim Pirzada and Director General Operations Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Waqar uddin, condemned the ongoing social media campaign targeting the superior judiciary and its judges.

He stressed that character assassination is a serious violation of the law and the Constitution and called for discouraging a culture of deceit and intolerance in society.

The minister announced the formation of a joint investigation team, comprising relevant institutions, including the FIA and PTA, to probe the anti-judiciary campaign. He pointed out that judicial decisions are public, and citizens are entitled to comment on them within the confines of the Constitution.

Referring to the ongoing propaganda, Solangi asserted that strict measures would be taken against those involved in illegal activities. He reminded the public that the caretaker government was established through a constitutional process, and upcoming elections would be held on February 8, as scheduled.

Solangi urged the public to be vigilant against misleading and fake news, advising them to verify information before sharing it on social media platforms. He criticised those spreading lies and malicious propaganda for their vested interests, emphasising that such activities do not benefit the people of Pakistan.

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The minister acknowledged the involvement of internal and external elements in the anti-judiciary campaign, warning that anyone violating the law would face consequences without discrimination. He emphasised that the press conference aimed to caution such elements against running a malicious campaign.

Solangi also addressed concerns about disruptions in internet services, attributing the recent issues to technical glitches rather than political interference. He clarified that the caretaker regime was non-political and had no intentions to target any political party or group.

In response to questions about the source of the campaign against the judiciary, Solangi stated that it originated both within the country and abroad, and action would be taken against those specifically involved in maligning judges.

The minister reassured the public regarding the security situation, citing past successful general elections in 2008 and 2013 amid serious security problems. Solangi called on the people to trust the capabilities of security agencies, affirming that the general elections would proceed as scheduled on February 8.