Lahore High Court Bans Media Interviews in Lockups

The Lahore High Court has imposed a ban on the filming and publication of suspect interviews from police stations.

Justice Ali Zia Bajwa presided over the hearing related to a viral video of suspects arrested from an alleged dance party in Kasur. The video had been widely shared on social media. In compliance with the court’s order, Advocate General Punjab Amjad Pervez and DIG Security appeared in court.

The court observed that presenting suspects in custody before the media is against the law. Justice Bajwa stated, “From today onward, if any station house officer (SHO) arranges such interviews for the media, the relevant Superintendent of Police (SP) will be held accountable.”

The court further warned that if suspects are humiliated, such as being forcibly shaved or exposed in any way, the responsible officer’s record will reflect their misconduct.

Justice Bajwa added that forcibly shaving heads is strictly prohibited and a clear violation of the law. “Releasing such premature videos damages the legal standing of both the prosecution and the accused,” he said.

Punjab’s Prosecutor General informed the court that senior journalist and court reporters’ president, Muhammad Ashfaq, had been appointed as a judicial assistant in the matter. Justice Bajwa questioned him on how such interviews are conducted. Ashfaq responded that police facilitate these interviews, mostly for YouTube channels, and that mainstream media generally refrains from airing them.

Advocate General Amjad Pervez cited Article 14 of the Constitution, which protects citizens’ dignity. Justice Bajwa agreed, remarking that safeguarding citizens is the state’s responsibility.

The Advocate General also informed the court that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had already taken notice of the Kasur incident before the petition was filed and had ordered an inquiry. The Additional IG Special Branch submitted the investigation report to the court, revealing that the SHO and two constables were found guilty in the matter.

The court directed the Advocate General to oversee police social media policies and issue guidelines. The Additional IG was also instructed to develop clear protocols for interacting with the media.

Justice Bajwa criticized the behavior of certain individuals, remarking, “Women walk into police stations with cameras, and the content they produce is so inappropriate that it cannot be watched with family.” He added that such content undermines the integrity of the prosecution.

Punjab’s Prosecutor General further emphasized that such interviews harm prosecution efforts first and foremost. He noted a rising trend of officials creating online pages to seek likes and generate income.

Prosecutor General Syed Farhad Ali Shah assured the court that the Advocate General’s Office, the Prosecutor General’s Office, and the police were ready to collaborate on legislative reforms.

The court inquired whether the SHO was present at the police station when the controversial video was filmed. The Additional IG confirmed that he was. Justice Bajwa responded, “What could be more disgraceful for the department? Shockingly, he is still free.”

Justice Bajwa expressed strong disapproval toward the officers involved in filming the video and questioned the SHO directly: “Were you flashing lights in people’s faces?”

The SHO claimed it was for police record purposes. The judge reacted sharply, asking, “Which law allows such video recording for police records? How dare you?”

During the hearing, the SHO’s lawyer argued that the alleged dance party was organized by the DPO’s staff officer (PSO), and they had a phone call as evidence. The Additional IG Special Branch confirmed this and stated that the PSO had informed officers that a birthday party was being held.

The court was informed that the PSO and two other officers involved had been suspended.

Justice Bajwa directed DIG Operations to submit a formal social media policy at the next hearing, which has been adjourned until April 25.