![Pakistani policemen detain Tehreek-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) party activists outside the anti-terrorist court on the arrival of their leader, Khadim Hussain Rizvi, during a hearing in Lahore on February 4, following last year's violent protest of the acquittal of a Christian woman on blasphemy charges. [ARIF ALI/AFP]](/cnmi_pf/images/2019/02/07/16611-tlp-739_416.webp)
ISLAMABAD -- Pakistan's Supreme Court rebuked military and intelligence agencies Wednesday (February 7), calling for them to uphold free speech and stay out of politics.
The unusually strong criticism was issued in a judgment criticising the role of the intelligence agencies in protests that paralysed Islamabad for several weeks in November 2017.
"If any personnel of the Armed Forces indulges in any form of politicking or tries to manipulate the media he undermines the integrity and professionalism of the Armed Forces," stated the judgement, posted on the Supreme Court website.
Pakistan's constitution "emphatically prohibits" members of the armed forces from "engaging in any kind of political activity", it added, ordering the government and the chiefs of the army, air force and navy to take action against anyone found violating his or her oath.
Violence in 2017
The 2017 protests were led by a then little-known Islamist group called the Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) and were dispersed only after violent clashes led to a military-brokered deal that forced the resignation of the law minister.
The judges criticised curbs on free speech, singling out the intelligence agencies for a stern warning.
"All intelligence agencies... and the (military's media wing) must not exceed their respective mandates. They cannot curtail the freedom of speech and expression," the court said.
"Those who resort to such tactics under the mistaken belief that they serve some higher goal delude themselves."
Meanwhile, one of Pakistan's leading women's rights activists has been released from security forces, she told AFP Thursday, after Amnesty International said she and others had been detained "arbitrarily".
Gulalai Ismail was arrested along with 17 other members of the Pashtun Protection Movement (PTM) during a protest in Islamabad on Tuesday.
I Love Pakistan & Pak Army
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Sir, I want to apply for a job in Pakistan Army.
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i love pak army
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Greetings Sir! I need to join Pak Army, please guide me.
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I wan to join pak army plz plz guide me
Replystudy well and dont hurt other people be a good man.
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how we join pak army????
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i am a student and join pak army plz guide me
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I want to join pak army of the pakistan army
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I want to join pak army . But the joining method of pakistan army is not fair . kindly notic . I have cleared 3 times medical and all tests of pakistan Air force and 1 time pak Army . But last time I applied in Pak army . 1 army officer sir safaraz rejected me in medical due to my arm . My arm is completly set but this officer is played with my future
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I love Pakistan army and I also want to become a captain in Pakistan army I am a girl and I love to save my world I don't care what the people think about me it's a great opportunity for me if I am selected in pakistan army my dream become real I just want to join pak army
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I love pakistan navy
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i need a army job
Replyi love pakistan army so i join the pakistan army force
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But what if thr govt can not handle a crisis and requests the army n subsidiaries to help is that wrong mr justice? This was clearly the case in faizabad dharna in which the federal interior ministry couldn't control the situation and requested assistance from army apart from that what other interference has there been from the army in politics especially after Gen Kiyani departure, where is the action on the article of the constitution which says that no can defame state instutions especially military and judiciary, why hasnt anything been done when shit like dawn leaks and dawn interview has taken place, so mr justice i humbly suggest that until you can be able and have capability to meet out justice with equality 1 shouldn't deviate and target a particular institution especially the one which is keeping us the general public and civilians and civil servants like yourselves safe
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Someone ask this mean person if he is a Judge or an agent of RAW. He calls army during floods, earthquake and all the natural disasters, where were these law enforcement agencies during law and order situation in Karachi? and where were the institutions earlier at Faizabad. On one hand the then government asked help and they now just talk rubbish, they are not ashamed of defaming the Army.
ReplyO cruels! Respond. Be accountable of the cruelty.. obeying the law is binding at everyone.. no one is an exception.. it's the duty of every institutions and every person that they may not cross their set limits
ReplyVery Nice
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You may not let the army involved, but those involved are not pious as well. Now public don't trust anyone. Mr. Judge should first find out the people who left the country in such a state. Curse be on such Judges. If you can't equate the weighing scale of Justice, you should at least not allow relaxation to thieves, sellers of conscience, and traitors.
ReplyMy brother neither the Army, nor any institution is free from corruption in this country. Real problem of this country is that there is nothing like law here.
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Commendable step taken by the court.
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Great declaration by SC , which is good for all including forces. Will wait for implementation
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Need this information.
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This is an un-biased and bold decision from courts.
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