ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday rejected an unconditional apology offered by Matiullah Jan, a journalist working with a private TV channel, in a contempt of court case.
A single bench of IHC, presided over by Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui took up for hearing the contempt of court case against Matiullah Jan.
Jan appeared in the court in person for the day’s proceedings. The undertaking accompanied by an unconditional apology was filed by the media group on behalf of Jan. However, the apology was rejected by the court.
While reviewing the apology letter, the bench remarked that according to the letter, you [Matiulah Jan] had not committed any mistake. “What exactly are you seeking an apology for?” the bench questioned.
The bench further remarked that the letter submitted by the journalist was not an apology. It also said that the court would impose a ban on live talk shows as they were airing unverified information and getting involved in mudslinging, the bench said.
Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui, while addressing the counsel for the private TV channel, remarked, “Correct your undertaking related to the unconditional apology and file the reply again.” The court adjourned the hearing of the case till February 21.