ISLAMABAD: On Monday, the top court released new rules for beat reporters, prohibiting the journalists from filming YouTube shows and interviews within the Supreme Court premises.
SC Public Relations Officer (PRO) Shahid Hussain Kamboyo wrote a letter to the Superintendent of Police (SP) and the SC press association stating that beat reporters will only be permitted entry into the SC following “security checking, frisking and searching of bags/purses by the police personnel, therefore media persons must cooperate with security staff.”
It further stated, “No member of the media will be permitted to record YouTube programs, video interviews, or other content inside the Supreme Court Building.”
Additionally, a spokesperson for the supreme court stated that media representatives would not be permitted to bring cell phones inside courtrooms.
“One representative from each media outlet will be permitted entry in the event of any significant case hearing when space constraints and increased security required exclusive access for a small group of journalists only. The letter also stated that other journalists would be allowed to see the proceedings in other courtrooms.
The Supreme Court dismissed over 5,000 cases in just four months, according to its first quarterly report, which was made public one day earlier. The report covered the period from September 17, 2023, to December 16, 2023.
Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa said in a statement that the action upholds the people’s right to information as guaranteed by Article 19-A of the Constitution and is intended to fulfill the top court’s obligation to better serve the people of Pakistan.The report highlighted the SC’s fast case handling, noting that between September and December 2023, 5,305 cases were resolved, which is higher than the 4,466 cases that were submitted to the highest court.
