The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed the jail administration to prohibit journalists from interviewing former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan during his ongoing trial in jail. However, the court has raised concerns about the legality of restricting overall media coverage of the trial, emphasizing the importance of transparency in judicial proceedings.
During a hearing on Thursday, Justice Mian Gul Hassan Aurangzeb remarked that while the trial court judge has the authority to manage the proceedings and handle any disruptions caused by journalists, it is not within the jurisdiction of the jail administration to impose such restrictions. The court was addressing a petition challenging the ban on journalists’ access to Imran Khan during his trial.
A journalist present in the court informed Justice Aurangzeb that despite following the standard operating procedures (SOPs) set for covering high-profile cases, they were denied access to the courtroom where Imran Khan’s trial was taking place. According to the SOPs, a designated focal person provides the names of seven journalists who are allowed to cover the trial. However, the jail administration has reportedly barred these journalists from entering the facility.
Justice Aurangzeb underscored that the regulation of court proceedings during the jail trial is the sole responsibility of the presiding judge. He further stated that preventing journalists from covering the trial contradicts the principles of an open court, which are fundamental to ensuring the transparency and fairness of judicial processes. The court ordered the Adiala Jail administration to adhere to its ruling and permit the seven journalists nominated by the Islamabad High Court Journalists Association to cover the trial.
While the IHC upheld the ban on interviews with the PTI founder, it expressed concerns that a broader restriction on media coverage could jeopardize the legal validity of the trial. The court’s ruling highlights the delicate balance between maintaining order during legal proceedings and ensuring public access to information, which is vital in upholding the integrity of the judicial system.