ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday continued hearing arguments regarding the formation of a commission to investigate blasphemy allegations.

Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan presided over the case and questioned the plaintiffs’ legal counsel on their preference for a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) instead of a commission.

The proceedings were also broadcast live on YouTube.

During the hearing, the plaintiffs’ lawyer argued that a JIT would have the authority to take direct action against individuals if found guilty.

However, the court questioned whether a commission report could determine if the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had the authority to act. The lawyer agreed that the FIA could take action but noted that it would be a lengthy process.

The court clarified that the primary issue was not whether FIRs were wrongly registered but rather whether any wrongdoing occurred before they were filed.

Hassan Muawiya, the plaintiff in five blasphemy cases, expressed distrust in government institutions and opposed the formation of a commission.

Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan questioned Muawiya’s reluctance, asking whether he feared the commission would take action against him or be biased in its findings. The judge assured that the commission would be neutral and its report made public, ensuring transparency.

The judge also addressed concerns about misinformation on social media, acknowledging that regulating social media is nearly impossible. He advised people to rely on the official court website for accurate information instead of social media interpretations.

In his closing remarks, Justice Khan suggested that it would have been preferable to have an independent commission with experts to review the matter. However, given the ongoing debate, he hinted that he may have to form his own opinion on the case.

The court adjourned the hearing until after Eid.

Published in Dawn, March 28th, 2025