SC suspends IHC order in audio leaks case
1. Removes ban on surveillance
The Supreme Court of Pakistan has suspended the Islamabad High Court's orders in the case concerning audio leaks involving Bushra Bibi, wife of PTI founder Imran Khan, and Najam Saqib, son of former Chief Justice Saqib Nisar.
Additionally, the Supreme Court has barred the High Court from continuing proceedings in the matter and has suspended the order against surveillance in the country. The bench noted that the order to halt surveillance was only applicable for one hearing.
During the hearing, Justice Aminuddin questioned whether the individuals involved in the audio recordings could have leaked them themselves, pointing out that most mobile phones today have recording capabilities.
A two-member bench of the Supreme Court, consisting of Justice Aminuddin and Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan, heard the federal government’s petition regarding the audio leaks. The Supreme Court ruled that the Islamabad High Court cannot proceed with the case, stating that its orders from May 29 and June 25 exceeded its jurisdiction and that the High Court does not have the authority to take suo motu notice.
