IHC hints at its wrath in media bias case

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  • IHC directs PEMRA, Pakistan Broadcasting, CPNE and counsel for the federation to file written reports
  • Justice Siddiqui says Judiciary’s hands not tied, no one can be allowed to blemish State institutions

 

During the hearing of a petition filed by Islamabad District Bar President Nasir Ahmad Kayani against private TV channels, a single bench of Islamabad High Court (IHC) comprising Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui made it clear that Judiciary and Army were two constitutional institutions and no one could be allowed to resort to mud-slinging against them.
“Programs were relayed against the wife of a judge of Supreme Court (SC) and her dignity was hurt. If someone has a complaint against anyone then one can approach SC Judicial Council but Judiciary and Army cannot come to media to defend themselves,” Justice Siddiqui said, adding that Judiciary’s hands were not tied and courts knew how to protect themselves.
Petitioner counsel Syed Nayab Hassan Gardezi, Deputy Attorney General (DAG) Hasnain Ibrahim Kazmi, Rana Shamim Ahmad and Hassan Rana from Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) and counsels for Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) and Pakistan Broadcasting appeared before the court.
From the ARY’s team, Riasat Ali Gondal, Suleman Iqbal and Mubashar Luqman appeared in the court. However, no counsel appeared in the court on behalf of GEO group.
“Propaganda has been done in media against the institutions of Army and Judiciary. Different programs are conducted against the retired and serving judges but PEMRA powers are not seen anywhere. It seems as if PEMRA is sleeping. No code of conduct is seen from the side of PEMRA,” Justice Siddiqui said addressing his court.
When Mubashar Luqman argued that he had been appearing before court despite issuance of warrants, the court brought him down saying that it was his responsibility as a senior journalist to appear before court.
“Non-bailable arrest warrants of Mir Shakilur Rehman and owner of Jang and Geo group have been issued but they don’t appear in the court and nor the police takes any action against them,” Luqman further argued.
“All private TV channels are equal before the court and court will give decision as per law. It was IHC which had given decision against Geo. If any petition comes in IHC against GEO, the court will give decision against it in accordance with law,” Justice Siddiqui said.
Counsel for Pakistan Broadcasting told the court that CDs of private TV channels’ programs had been obtained but a detailed report on them could not be worked out. The counsel sought time so that a report in writing could be filed in the court.
Moreover, the counsel told the court that a news item had appeared some time back claiming that court had ordered that a private TV channel be run on a specific number.
Justice Siddiqui remarked that the court had not issued such orders and all such news items appearing in press were baseless.
The court issued orders to PEMRA counsel to implement its code of conduct and file written report thereof before it.
The court issued notices to all the parties concerned and ordered them to file reports in writing before it.
The court also ordered Luqman to see his program, draw up a comparison and then file a written report in court.
The court while directing PEMRA, Pakistan Broadcasting, CPNE and counsel for the federation for filing written reports before it, adjourned the hearing of the case till October, 20.

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