The Supreme Court has disposed off Geo News’ petition against the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) ruling that the decision given in 2012 be implemented and a reply be filed by interior secretary and Intelligence Bureau Director General (DG) within 24 hours regarding display of banners against a SC judge.
A two-member bench of the SC presided by Justice Jawaad Khawaja took up the case for hearing on Monday.
Justice Khawaja ruled, “The country can be driven into a dangerous situation in future if banners and posters can be displayed by penetrating into red zone at Islamabad. A judge can refuse from hearing a case only if the party to the case is not only a close relative of the judge but also has close relations with him. I have no relations with Mir Shakilur Rehman therefore, I can hear the case.”
The court disposed off the petition filed by Geo on a reply given by PEMRA wherein it has said that the court’s orders are being implemented.
At the inception of the hearing, Attorney General (AG) Salman Aslam appeared in the court.
Justice Jawad remarked, “Be it judiciary or any other institution, they all are institutions of the people. Has the government shown any interest that these institutions are being targeted through mudslinging and if it is doing something in this regard?”
Hafiz Rehman recited a verse of Holy Quran that “respect and disgrace is in the hands of Almighty Allah.”
Justice Jawad said, “I have faith in it. Perhaps some persons have no faith in it.”
Justice Jawad said that the government should find out who had displayed the anti-judiciary banners, when they were displayed and from where were they printed. He said that CCTV cameras are installed and the government should tell if it can do something in this matter or not.
He said that the IB should find out who had displayed the anti-judiciary banners.
Justice Jawwad remarked “I am very sinful but one thing Allah has bestowed on me and it is faith. I have full faith on Almighty Allah. Certain people consider themselves greater than Allah. This is a delusion on their part.”
Justice Jawwad questioned DG IB, saying, “You are the eyes and ears of federal government. You should tell who displayed these banners. Have you done anything in this respect?”
The judge added that this was a matter concerning an institution and not a single person like him and directed the IB DG to produce results in this regard.
The court ruled “We summoned IB DG and interior secretary and enquired from them if these banners and posters were in their knowledge. They did not give any satisfactory reply. They have been given time for 24 hours to tell us who has put to display these banners and when. If IB DG did not investigate this matter then it will be matter of serious concern. Application No 277 has been decided and this case will be fixed for hearing on May 28. Interior secretary and IB DG will file report.
