Media outlets rectify error on Middle Temple bencher title

JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 28 October 2024 | JP Staff Report

Recent reports erroneously credited Justice Qazi Faez Isa as the first Pakistani bencher at Middle Temple. In fact, Justice Ayesha Malik received this title in July 2022.

Summary

ISLAMABAD—Media outlets including The News, Geo News, and BOL News have corrected reports claiming former Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa was the first Pakistani judge elected as a bencher at the Middle Temple, a prestigious UK legal institution.

Abuzar Salman Niazi, a prominent Pakistani lawyer, refuted the claims and clarified that Justice Ayesha Malik, the first female judge on Pakistan’s Supreme Court, was nominated as a Middle Temple bencher on July 12, 2022.

Niazi emphasized that the honor of first Pakistani bencher belongs to Justice Malik, not Justice Isa. Additionally, journalist Abdul Qayyum Siddiqui echoed the correction, reminding the media of the historical record.

The News previously published a story claiming Justice Isa’s achievement and reporting that he would attend a Middle Temple dinner on October 29.

Key Points

Media outlets corrected earlier inaccuracies about Middle Temple benchers.
Justice Ayesha Malik is the first female Pakistan Supreme Court judge and bencher.
Abuzar Salman Niazi clarified the historical record regarding the title.
Justice Isa was incorrectly reported as the first Pakistani bencher.
The News previously announced Justice Isa's attendance at a Middle Temple dinner.

Relevant Topics

Middle Temple

Justice Malik

Media Correction

Pakistan News

Legal News

Judicial Honors

Ask AI: Understand this story your way

AI Enabled

Dig deeper, ask anything — get instant context, background, and clarity.

Language

Format

Tone

Audience

Focus

Reading level

Length

The AI generates results based on your selected options

Your AI-generated results will appear here after you click the button.

Disclaimer: This feature is powered by AI and is intended to help readers explore and understand news stories more easily. While we strive for accuracy, AI-generated responses may occasionally be incomplete or reflect limitations in the underlying model. This feature does not represent the editorial views of JournalismPakistan. For our full, verified reporting, please refer to the original article.

Explore Further

Pakistan Media Monitor | Edition 4 | July 7-20, 2026

July 20, 2026: During July 7-20, 2026 Pakistan's media faced legal action against journalists, expanded broadcast regulations, newsroom layoffs and surveillance concerns, revealing growing regulatory, economic and technological pressures on journalism.

Journalists question closed-door fuel price briefing

July 18, 2026: Journalists criticised a closed-door briefing where ministers said OGRA would set petroleum prices daily and energy reporters were not invited.

DRF USA report warns of expanding cyber surveillance in Pakistan

July 17, 2026: DRF USA warns that Pakistan's growing cyber surveillance, spyware, LIMS, and web monitoring pose serious privacy risks to press freedom and other digital rights.

Nine journalist threat cases recorded across Pakistan in June

July 15, 2026: Nine incidents of threats, arrests, legal action and assaults against journalists were recorded in Pakistan in June, highlighting threats to press freedom.

Why Punjab's district journalists are working second jobs to survive

July 14, 2026: Punjab district journalists take second jobs, running shops, tuition centres or filtration plants, to top up newsroom pay and keep reporting amid rising costs.

Pakistan Media Monitor | Edition 3 | June 23-July 6, 2026

July 06, 2026: Pakistan's media faced pressure as a major channel was suspended, journalists were arrested under cyberlaw, attacks occurred and AI-related debates intensified.

CPJ urges Pakistan to lift Geo News suspension

July 02, 2026: CPJ urged Pakistan to reverse PEMRA's 15-day suspension of Geo News' broadcast license, calling it a dangerous escalation of official interference with independent media.

KP unveils journalist welfare package with loans, press club funding

July 01, 2026: KP unveils package for journalists: interest-free loans up to PKR10m, funding for press clubs and a media colony, plus a provincial journalists' welfare endowment.

Newsroom

AFP journalists in Türkiye win strike after pay dispute

July 21, 2026 AFP journalists in Türkiye ended a 12-day strike after securing a labor agreement with a 27% wage increase, a month's bonus, €2,500 and enhanced allowances.

Why are media companies laying off journalists?

July 21, 2026 Media companies are laying off journalists as advertising income falls, audiences shift to digital platforms, costs rise, and AI plus new business models reshape newsroom economics.

Messi's farewell, Yamal's rise: Spain conquer Argentina in World Cup final

July 20, 2026 Spain defeated Argentina in a dramatic World Cup final as Ferran Torres' extra-time volley sealed victory, capping Messi's farewell and Yamal's rise.

JP analysis: Legal pressure on journalists grows worldwide

July 19, 2026 JournalismPakistan finds governments increasingly using courts, surveillance, visa limits and regulation instead of overt bans to pressure journalists.

What is prior restraint in journalism and media law?

July 19, 2026 Prior restraint is government action that stops publication or broadcast before it reaches the public, creating tensions between press freedom and security.