Freedom of expression, access to information rights for all citizens, says Justice Isa

Islamabad: Supreme Court Senior Puisne Judge Justice Qazi Faez Isa emphasized upon the fundamental rights of freedom of expression and access to information for every citizen.

Justice Isa said that the core objective of all laws is to unearth the truth, and the bedrock of justice rests upon this truth. He expressed these words while addressing oath taking ceremony of the Press Association of the Supreme Court on Wednesday.

The senior puisne judge said that the pronouncement of a verdict did not provide grounds for any party to label it as erroneous. He highlighted the crucial distinction between news reporting and expressing opinions, noting that news is synonymous with truth while opinions remain subjective. Disagreements might arise from divergent opinions, but the integrity of truth remains beyond dispute.

Justice Isa pointed out the significance of responsible journalism, emphasizing that it exerts a positive influence on society. He noted that journalists and judges alike are committed to seeking the truth. Speaking the truth, he stated, is not a formidable task, while falsehoods are burdensome to retain.

He went on to emphasize that the importance of truth is universally acknowledged in various religions. He cited an instance from the teachings of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), where he categorically denied the possibility of a believer resorting to falsehood. Judge Faiz Isa highlighted that the reverence for truth predates Islam, citing references in the Bible that highlight the emancipating power of truth.

Addressing the role of the press, Judge Isa elaborated on its constitutional recognition. He defined a journalist's mission as conveying accurate and unbiased news. Furthermore, he stressed that journalists possess the legitimate right to gather information from all institutions, including the Supreme Court and the government.