Contempt case: PEMRA official records statement against Tallal Chaudry

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court of Pakistan has resumed hearing of the contempt case against Minister of State for Interior Affairs Talal Chaudry on Friday.

Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan headed the three-member bench of the Supreme Court. The PML-N leader was held in contempt after he made anti judiciary remarks at a party rally earlier this year.

As the hearing begins, Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) DG Operations Haji Adam was present as a prosecution witness.

Kamran Murtaza, counsel of Interior Minister, raised objections but the court allowed the PEMRA official to record his statement.

Haji Adam informed the court that he was previously serving as DG Monitoring at PEMRA and adding that he was asked by the government to present clips of the minister’s speeches from Jan 24-27.

In his arguments, Minister’s counsel objected to the presentation of evidence saying the witness list did not mention submission of evidence.

Justice Ejaz remarked that it is the court’s job to uphold the law and Constitution, adding that if someone abuses them or hurls a show at them, then it is a lawyer’s job to defend it.

The hearing was then adjourned until April 30.

The apex court had initiated contempt proceedings against Chaudry on account of “derogatory and contemptuous speeches/statements” with regard to the court, according to a notification issued on February 2.

Tallal Chaudhry has been indicted in the case and has pleaded not guilty to the charges.