SC orders judicial inquiry into mishandling of journalists by police

The Supreme Court (SC) ordered on Friday a judicial inquiry into the case of journalists who were manhandled by the federal capital’s police while they celebrated World Press Freedom Day a day ago.

According to local media reports, while hearing a suo motu case, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Saqib Nisar directed Sessions Judge Sohail Nasir to submit a report within 10 days. The CJP questioned the deputy commissioner when Section 144 had been imposed in Islamabad. Section 144 is a section that bans public gatherings.

Islamabad Inspector General Sultan Azam Taimuri informed the CJP that the journalists had allegedly tried to break the barriers when they were stopped from entering the Red Zone area.

CJ takes notice of mishandling of journalists rally at D-Chowk

However, Justice Nisar remarked that the journalists were holding a peaceful protest and it was inappropriate to use force against peaceful protesters.

On Thursday, journalists were marching towards the Parliament at D-Chowk, where the police barred them from moving any further. This led to a tussle between the marchers and the police.

Following the incident, the CJP had taken a suo motu notice and sought report from the administration