*Court issues bailable arrest warrants of ARY CEO Salman Iqbal, Khara Sach Anchor Mubashir Lucman
The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday issued bailable arrest warrants of ARY News Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Salman Iqbal, Khara Sach Anchor Mubashir Lucman, Khara Sach programme producer and Asim Malik for not appearing before the court despite being summoned.
The court also placed restriction on airing programme Khara Sach and participation of Lucman in any other TV programme.
The court also directed to place the name of Lucman in Exit Control List (ECL) besides summoning attorney general of Pakistan, Punjab advocate general, Federal Investigation Agency director general and Lahore district co-ordination officer (DCO) on October 21.
Justice Syed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi passed the orders while hearing a suo moto notice against the respondents for airing an interview of Future Concern owner Asim Malik, wherein serious allegations were levelled against him.
Earlier, the channel’s counsel appeared before the court and submitted that Lucman and programme producer were busy in Islamabad in connection with their cases before the Apex Court.
However, the court observed that the respondents intentionally avoided to appear as their case was not fixed for today or within next few days and they disobeyed the court orders to appear in person.
The court issuing bailable arrest warrants of the respondents and directed DIG (Operations) to ensure that the notices were served to the respondents.
PEMRA chairman also appeared before the court and submitted that action was being taken against the respondents for airing the controversial interview and a committee had recommended certain penal actions against them after hearing the channel’s stance.
He further told that the authority had already taken action against the channel for violation of the rules.
However, it was challenged and is presently pending before the Sindh High Court (SHC), he added.
He also conceded that Lucman not only violated PEMRA rules but also violated the SHC orders wherein he was ordered to refrain from airing derogatory remarks about the judiciary.
The court ordered the PEMRA chairman to proceed against the channel and its officials in an effective manner and submit a comprehensive report on next hearing. The court also ordered to place Lucman’s name in ECL.
The court adjourning the further hearing till October 21 referred the matter to the LHC chief Justice with a request to form a larger bench to hear the matter.