Justice Babar Sattar targeted in online defamation campaign

An expanded panel of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has recently taken a significant step by issuing notices to key entities including the attorney general's office, Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra), Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), and other intelligence agencies. This action was prompted by the initiation of contempt proceedings in response to a defamatory social media campaign targeting Justice Babar Sattar, a respected senior jurist.

The IHC's larger bench, led by Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani and comprising Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri and Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan, has commenced contempt of court proceedings specifically addressing the smear campaign against Justice Babar Sattar on various social media platforms.

Justice Babar Sattar, known for his integrity and commitment to upholding justice, found himself at the center of a malicious online campaign aimed at tarnishing his reputation. The false and defamatory content circulated on social media platforms not only targeted Justice Sattar personally but also undermined the credibility of the judiciary as a whole.

The Islamabad High Court's proactive stance in addressing contemptuous behavior on social media sets a crucial precedent for upholding the dignity of the judiciary and ensuring that individuals like Justice Babar Sattar are protected from baseless attacks. This development underscores the importance of responsible online conduct and the accountability of those who seek to undermine the pillars of justice.