Character assassination has no place online

In an era where a smartphone, internet access and digital platform can turn anyone into a broadcaster, the line between freedom of speech and defamation has increasingly blurred. Social media, was once a tool for expression and connection, is now increasingly being misused to spread false and baseless allegations and publicly disgrace individuals, often with no regard for the legal and ethical consequences. Most social media users often fail to recognise that while freedom of expression is a fundamental right, it does not grant them the liberty to defame, insult, or humiliate others. True freedom of speech does not protect defamatory content—it upholds respectful discourse, not character assassination.

In a recent landmark case of Ali Bahadar vs. Ziarat Gul, a distinguished member of the legal fraternity, Advocate Ali Bahadar Khan, became the victim of a malicious libel campaign on social media. In response, two eminent legal minds from Shangla, Mr. Sultan Sikandar Advocate and Mr. Muhammad Arif Advocate, instituted a suit for damages under the Defamation Ordinance, 2002. With unwavering dedication and professional rigor, they pursued the matter to its just conclusion. The Hon’ble Additional District Judge of Shangla, upon careful adjudication, decreed the suit in favor of the plaintiff, thus upholding the principles of dignity and reputation. This verdict stands as a resounding precedent—an unequivocal reminder that social media is not a sanctuary for character assassination, and every user must exercise their freedom of expression with responsibility and restraint.

Muhammad Arif Advocate hails from District Shangla and practices law in the District Courts of Shangla, the Service Tribunal, and the High Court. From 2012 to 2018, he served as the Program Manager for the “Strengthening Rule of Law in Malakand Division” project, overseeing its implementation in District Shangla and District Malakand.

Sultan Sikandar Advocate practiced law from 1992 to 1996 before joining the Education Department, where he served as a principal. During his tenure, he earned recognition as a dynamic and well-regarded educationist. Following his retirement in 2023, he returned to the legal professi