And the CJ’s silence over it
Much has been written by this and other publications over the prevailing issue of media outlets being made to exercise self-censorship for survival in a highly competitive industry. Ranging from restrictions in distribution and broadcasting to making certain subjects (old and new) taboo to report or comment on, the muzzling of the media continues by the powers that be. Recent incidents of intraday abductions of vocal critics of the establishment, roughing up of reporters in broad daylight and ransacking of journalists’ residences only add to the fear of speaking out. The latest incident involving a break-in at Marvi Sirmed’s – a liberal columnist promoting better relations with India – house is interesting given how only laptops and travel documents were taken and not much else of significant value.
CJ Saqib Nisar maintained a relatively low profile during the first few months of taking charge of office but pretty soon distinguished himself for his form of judicial activism via more suo motu notices than one can hardly count let alone keep track of. Ex-CJP Chaudhry Iftikhar was of the same variety when it came to spontaneous Supreme Court hearings but with CJ Nisar had dialled that judicial activism up by many notches in the name of ‘accountability’ and ‘poor governance’. Unfortunately the CJP has remained silent on the treatment of the media. While he wastes no time in summoning Chief Ministers over unsafe drinking water, garbage on streets, hygiene of hospitals and high salaries of CEO’s in charge of special government projects he has so far chosen not to take notice of the blatant violations of article 19 of the constitution. His inaction in this respect causes apprehensions about his independence and as a result ability to do the ‘across the board accountability’ that he has made his supposed mission. That this is happening so close to the general elections is even more worrisome.
