24/07/2019
2012 C L C 1300
2012 C L C 1300
[Lahore]
Before Ijaz Ahmed Chaudhry, C.J.
ISLAMIC LAWYERS MOVEMENT through Tahir Farooq alias Allah Bakhsh LeghariPetitioner
Versus
FEDERATION OF PAKISTAN through Secretary Establishment, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad
and 3 othersRespondents
Writ Petitions Nos.10392, 11559 and 16615 of 2010, decided on 28th February, 2012.
Constitution of Pakistan
Art. 199Constitutional petitionSocial networking website "facebook"Religious sentiments
Petitioners were aggrieved of the posting of derogatory and objectionable material on the website
"Facebook", injuring religious sentiments of MuslimsEffectNobody could deny importance of use of
internet in different spheres but the same should not be at the cost of religious disharmony, as such exercise
would not only create chaos amongst members of society at national as well as international level but also
would disintegrate efforts being made towards international peace and tranquillityHigh Court formulated
guidelines for immediate action by authorities.
Following guidelines were formulated by the High Court:
(i) that inter Ministerial Committee constituted by the then Prime Minister in year, 2006, would keep vigilant
eye on websites and in eventuality of any objectionable material concerning religious faith of any group
would take prompt action before it could reach to public at large and in case of failure concerned persons
would be taken to task while initiating disciplinary action against them and government would also include
some members from amongst private persons in that Committee;
(ii) that Crisis Cell working in Services division ICT Directorate and Enforcement Division should be used as
a tool to unearth such material and to block relevant website/URL forthwith and in case of failure stern action
be taken against delinquents;
(iii) that the government should agitate the matter before United Nations through its permanent delegate for
legislation at international level against such acts and convey reservations of the Muslims of world in general
and that of Pakistan in particular regarding publication of such objectionable material;
(iv) that the government should bring the matter before Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) in
consultation with other member countries and would adopt clearcut via media to halt repetition of such
incidents;
(v) that the government should also see viability of permanent blocking of websites involved in unethical and
illegal activities in the event that such material was again presented on internet;
(vi) that the government should strive for legislation in such regard on the lines already adopted by other
Islamic countries in addition to China;
(vii) that the government should impart awareness amongst public through different modes e.g. print and
electronic media regarding use and misuse of such like websites; and
(vii) that in case of repetition, government should sue the concerned authorities before appropriate forums.
https://www.pakistanlawsite.com/Login/PrintCaseLaw?caseName=2012L277
1/5