LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Wednesday directed the director general of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to submit a comprehensive report detailing the mechanism in place to monitor and counter unlawful social media campaigns targeting the judiciary.

Justice Ali Zia Bajwa was hearing a petition filed by Advocate Pervaiz Elahi Bhaddar against the NCCIA and others.

NCCIA DG Syed Khurram Ali, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) DG Web Analysis Division Arif Sargana and the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) Chairman Faisal Yousaf among other officials who appeared before the court.

During the proceedings, the NCCIA DG informed the court that initial investigations had identified 200 online links, 79 social media accounts, and 54 individuals allegedly involved in a coordinated campaign against the judiciary. He said notices have so far been issued to 34 individuals.

LHC told 200 online links, 79 social media accounts identified, notices to 34 users sent

A deputy attorney general apprised the court that the authority envisaged under Section 2A of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 shall be constituted in due course, as the matter was presently pending before the federal government for consideration.

The petitioner’s counsel Mian Dawood argued that the authorities had not taken stern action against the persons involved in the anti-judiciary campaign, despite a court’s direction.

The NCCIA DG assured the court that the agency would take all lawful measures to curb contemptuous campaigns and safeguard the dignity and independence of the judiciary.

He undertook that any attempt to scandalise the courts or undermine public confidence in the judicial system would be addressed promptly and in accordance with the law.

The PITB chairman appeared as amicus curiae and assisted the court regarding technological tools available to prevent dissemination of illegal online content.

In his written order, Justice Bajwa noted an alarming and persistent trend of maligning judges through unregulated social media campaigns, apparently aimed at influencing the course of justice rather than ensuring lawful accountability.

The judge observed that judges speak only through their judgments and cannot publicly rebut allegations. He warned that unchecked defamatory content erodes public confidence in the judicial system and threatens the rule of law.

However, the judge made it clear that no action should be taken on the pretext of protecting the judiciary that results in harassment or unlawful targeting of citizens.

Expressing concern over past inaction, the judge directed the NCCIA DG to submit a detailed report at the next hearing, explaining the effective monitoring and enforcement mechanisms currently in place to counter unlawful online campaigns against the judiciary.

The judge adjourned the hearing for a date to be fixed later.

Published in Dawn, February 26th, 2026