January 14, 2026
By Kaleem Ullah
LAHORE
The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday, January 14, directed the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to prepare a detailed report identifying individuals involved in using social media to malign, scandalise, or undermine the dignity and authority of the judiciary, whether directly or indirectly.
Justice Ali Zia Bajwa issued the directive while hearing a petition filed by Advocate Chaudhry Pervez Elahi Bhaddar, along with Advocate Mian Dawood, who alleged that an organised character assassination campaign had been launched on social media against female judges of the high court.
Advocate Mian Dawood, representing the petitioner, argued that a deliberate and coordinated campaign was underway across multiple social media platforms to discredit and weaken the judiciary.
He told Voicepk, that an organised social media campaign was launched against Lahore High Court Chief Justice Justice Alia Neelum in late December after she suspended certain provisions of the Punjab Protection of Ownership of Immovable Property Ordinance, 2025. Which he said later expanded to target another woman judge, Justice Abher Gull, with derogatory and contemptuous content circulated under the guise of anonymous complaints before the Supreme Judicial Council.
He maintained that the campaign violated the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 (amended in 2025), and was aimed at pressuring and blackmailing judges for ulterior motives, adding that many of the accounts involved appeared to be linked to the ruling party, PML-N.
During the hearing, the judge observed that acts amounting to contempt of court do not fall under the protection of constitutional freedoms and are liable to legal action. He remarked that freedom of expression cannot be used as a pretext to scandalise courts or obstruct the administration of justice.
Justice Bajwa emphasised that the law requires firm action against such conduct to safeguard the authority and sanctity of judicial institutions. In his written order, he noted that respect for the judiciary is essential to the constitutional order, as it underpins the rule of law, separation of powers, and the effective functioning of democratic institutions.
The court also expressed concern over the apparent indifference and inaction of state functionaries, terming it a clear failure to fulfil their statutory duties.
Advocate General Punjab Amjad Pervez also appeared before the court and assured that the provincial government would take all necessary measures to counter any campaign aimed at undermining the independence, dignity, and authority of the judiciary. He condemned attempts to malign the courts and sought time to submit a comprehensive written response at the next hearing.
Furthermore, Mian Dawood said that the alleged conduct posed a serious threat to judicial independence and the sanctity of the justice system, while relevant authorities, despite the seriousness of the matter, remained inactive, failing to fulfil their statutory responsibilities.
While adjourning the hearing till 15th January, the court ordered that individuals found involved in such activities be proceeded against strictly in accordance with the law. Justice Bajwa also summoned the NCCIA director general for the next hearing to explain the apparent failure of cyber policing mechanisms.
Additionally, the court sought a report from the chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) detailing the authority’s legal mandate and measures for identifying, blocking, and removing content that is contemptuous on digital and social media platforms.