Lahore High Court Orders NCCIA to Identify Individuals Behind Social Media Campaign Against Judges

The Lahore High Court has taken strong notice of a coordinated social media campaign targeting members of the judiciary and has directed the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to compile a list of individuals involved. The court also ordered the federal government to immediately remove all inappropriate and objectionable content directed against judges.
Justice Ali Zia Bajwa issued the directions while hearing a petition filed by citizen Parvez Elahi. Advocate Mian Daud appeared on behalf of the petitioner.
During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel informed the court that for the past four weeks, a negative and defamatory campaign has been running on social media platforms against women judges of the Lahore High Court. He added that bar associations across the country had condemned the campaign, yet no effective action had been taken by any state institution.
Questioning the inaction, the court asked the government lawyer whether the NCCIA’s suo motu powers had ceased to exist. Justice Bajwa remarked that the agency has full authority for cyber policing and questioned why it had remained “asleep” despite the seriousness of the matter.
The court observed that targeting the judiciary amounts to cyber terrorism and constitutes an institutional attack. Justice Bajwa warned that failure by the NCCIA to perform its legal duties would amount to mala fide intent.
The bench further asked whether the NCCIA had issued any inquiry notices, initiated investigations, or directed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to remove the objectionable material.
The Lahore High Court directed the NCCIA to submit a detailed report, identify the elements behind the campaign against judges, and take immediate action in accordance with the law.