Social media rules: IHC asks stakeholders to consult PFUJ

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Monday instructed the authorities concerned to consult with all stakeholders, including the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), on the social media rules. Chief Justice Athar Minallah heard the petitions filed by various people against the notices of Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and its powers. Additional Attorney General (AAG) Qasim Wadood informed the court that the FIA had received 178,000 complaints and arrested a total of 1,831 accused during the last two years.

The arrests were made on charges of child pornography, hate speeches and other allegations. The chief justice asked as to why the SOPs prepared by the FIA were not being implemented. “Protection of citizens’ basic rights is the responsibility of this court,” he observed. Justice Minallah observed that the FIA had now adopted PPC instead of PECA Act.

The practice of hate speeches still continues on the social media but no one has been arrested, he remarked. The chief justice remarked that the social media was not confined to journalists only, as other people had no other platform to raise their voice

The court asked when the consultation process with the other stakeholders would be completed. The bench instructed that the process be completed till the next date — November 2 — and adjourned the case.

Source: The News