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May 5, 2026 - Comments Off on IHC Rules CII Opinion on Blasphemy Case Unlawful, Reinforces Judicial Authority

IHC Rules CII Opinion on Blasphemy Case Unlawful, Reinforces Judicial Authority

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ruled that the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) lacks legal authority to determine criminal culpability, declaring its 2025 opinion against Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza “null and void.” The court found that the CII overstepped its constitutional mandate by issuing an opinion in a pending blasphemy case, violating Articles 229 and 230 of the Constitution.

Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani emphasised that only courts have the authority to determine criminal liability and that the CII’s intervention undermined the accused’s right to a fair trial under Article 10-A. The ruling also criticised investigative agencies for relying on the Council’s opinion in legal proceedings.

The verdict reinforces the separation of powers and due process, highlighting concerns around the misuse of advisory bodies in criminal cases and the protection of fundamental rights in Pakistan’s justice system.

April 30, 2026 - Comments Off on Meesha Shafi Challenges Defamation Verdict in Lahore High Court

Meesha Shafi Challenges Defamation Verdict in Lahore High Court

Singer Meesha Shafi has filed an appeal in the Lahore High Court challenging a lower court’s decision that ordered her to pay Rs5 million in damages to Ali Zafar in a defamation case linked to sexual harassment allegations. The appeal argues that the trial court erred in law by ruling on defamation while the underlying harassment complaint remains unresolved and pending before the Supreme Court.

Shafi contends that her statements were made as part of a lawful complaint and are protected under qualified privilege. The appeal also challenges the court’s assessment of evidence, arguing that “unproven” allegations should not be treated as false and that the judgment relied on stereotypical assumptions about survivor behaviour.

The case highlights ongoing debates around defamation law, survivor rights, and the intersection of freedom of expression and accountability in Pakistan. 

April 30, 2026 - Comments Off on Imaan Mazari and Hadi Chattha Seek Early Supreme Court Hearing in PECA Conviction Case

Imaan Mazari and Hadi Chattha Seek Early Supreme Court Hearing in PECA Conviction Case

Human rights lawyers Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha have approached the Supreme Court seeking an urgent hearing of their appeals against convictions under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). The couple was sentenced to a combined 17 years in prison on charges including cyber terrorism, glorification of an offence, and dissemination of false information linked to social media posts.

Their petition argues that the trial was flawed and requests suspension of their sentence pending appeal, citing prolonged incarceration and delays in proceedings before the Islamabad High Court. The case stems from allegations that their online content targeted state institutions.

The matter raises broader concerns about the application of cybercrime laws, due process, and the impact of digital speech regulation on fundamental rights in Pakistan.

April 29, 2026 - Comments Off on Pakistan Issues National Guidelines for Use of AI in Judiciary

Pakistan Issues National Guidelines for Use of AI in Judiciary

The National Judicial Policy Making Committee (NJPMC) has approved and issued national guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Pakistan’s judicial system, marking a significant step toward digital transformation in courts. The framework emphasises a human-centric approach, ensuring that AI serves as an assistive tool while judges remain the final decision-makers.

The guidelines outline safeguards for ethical and transparent AI use, including measures to prevent bias, ensure accountability, and protect data privacy. They also highlight practical applications such as case management, legal research, and document processing, alongside capacity-building initiatives to train judges and court staff.

Developed through consultations with high courts and experts, the framework aligns with international standards while allowing flexibility for provincial implementation. The move is seen as a milestone in balancing innovation with judicial independence, efficiency, and the protection of fundamental rights in Pakistan’s justice system.

April 27, 2026 - Comments Off on LHC Refers Punjab Defamation Act Challenge to Chief Justice Amid Free Speech Concerns

LHC Refers Punjab Defamation Act Challenge to Chief Justice Amid Free Speech Concerns

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has referred a set of petitions challenging the Punjab Defamation Act 2024 to the chief justice for reconstitution of a bench, following objections raised by the provincial government’s counsel. The legislation, introduced in June 2024, aims to address defamatory content across print, electronic, and social media, but has been widely contested by journalists, civil society, and legal experts. Critics, including the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), argue that the law poses a serious threat to freedom of expression and press freedom by limiting the ability to hold public officials accountable.

During proceedings, petitioners’ lawyers maintained that the law undermines democratic principles, while the government argued procedural grounds for referring the case to the chief justice due to the involvement of tribunal appointments under the Act. The referral has raised concerns about delays in adjudicating a law that has significant implications for media regulation and freedom of expression in Punjab. The outcome of the case is expected to have broader implications for the balance between defamation regulation and constitutional rights in Pakistan.

April 8, 2026 - Comments Off on SHC Sets Aside NCCIA Director Appointment Over Irregularity Concerns

SHC Sets Aside NCCIA Director Appointment Over Irregularity Concerns

The Sindh High Court has set aside the appointment of the provincial director of the National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency (NCCIA), ruling that the position was unlawfully assigned to a junior officer. The court directed authorities to appoint the senior-most eligible officer to hold acting charge until a regular promotion is made. The bench observed that the decision violated statutory rules and principles of merit, describing the appointment as arbitrary and without lawful authority. The ruling also raised questions about administrative practices following the transfer of cybercrime functions from the FIA to NCCIA, reinforcing the importance of transparency and due process in public sector appointments.

April 22, 2025 - Comments Off on IHC terms FIA report in judge’s intimidation case unsatisfactory

IHC terms FIA report in judge’s intimidation case unsatisfactory

Justice Babar Sattar of Islamabad High Court filed a case against KP Director Anti-Corruption Siddique Anjum and others accusing them of orchestrating a social media campaign against District and Sessions Judge Humayun Dilawar. 

In 2023, Humayun Dilawar convicted and sentenced former prime minister Imran Khan in the Toshakhana case on a complaint filed by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). 

In the aftermath of the court's decision and after the case was transferred to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Judge Dilawar and his family faced increased intimidation allegedly specifically as ACE KP government officials lodged an FIR in a land-related matter against Judge Dilawar and his family. 

During the investigation of this case, the Federal Investigation Authority (FIA) registered a separate case against ACE KP officials who were allegedly found attempting to discredit Judge Humayun Dilawar via social media with the help of a vlogger. In proceedings, the FIA submitted a report to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) detailing how government officials in KP were using social media to target a member of the judiciary for his involvement in convicting former prime minister Imran Khan. 

Justice Babar Sattar of the IHC, upon receiving the report deemed it ‘unsatisfactory’ and reprimanded the FIA for their tone and format, claiming that there was inconsistency in the complaint and a lack of understanding of the proper judicial procedure. 

April 11, 2025 - Comments Off on Supreme Court Urges Regulated Use of AI to Improve Judicial Efficiency

Supreme Court Urges Regulated Use of AI to Improve Judicial Efficiency

The Supreme Court of Pakistan has recommended the regulated adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the judiciary to enhance efficiency and reduce case backlogs, particularly at the district court level.

In an 18-page judgment authored by Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, the court emphasized that AI must only be used as a supportive tool and not in ways that compromise judicial independence, constitutional principles, or public trust.

The judgment urged the National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee and the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan to develop comprehensive guidelines outlining permissible uses of AI in judicial processes. The court stressed the need for calibrated integration, welcoming AI’s potential to streamline functions and legal research without replacing the human conscience essential to justice.

“Courts must pursue a calibrated integration harnessing AI's efficiencies without surrendering the conscience, independence, and humanity that justice demands,” the judgment stated.

The court also highlighted Smart Legal Research as a key area where AI can assist judges by efficiently extracting relevant case law and legal commentary. However, it reiterated that human judgment and ethical reasoning remain irreplaceable.

The bench called on judicial institutions to address systemic delays and adopt innovative case management systems, warning that without reform, the right to fair and timely justice under Articles 10A and 37(d) of the Constitution may be undermined.