Tariq Ullah Wardag
ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar has said that Lahore High Court has not barred from airing the speeches of Nawaz Sharif or any other political leader.
Wrapping up the suo moto notice regarding the Lahore High Court’s (LHC) decision banning the transmission of anti-judiciary speeches by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz and other leaders of the Pakistan Muslim League-N, he remarks that some elements would like to malign the judiciary through such news, Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz could speech before the court.
Three member bench of supreme court heard the suo moto case, acting Chairman PEMRA also appeared before court.
The chief justice remarked that nowhere does it say in the LHC order that Nawaz and Maryam’s speeches have been banned.
PEMRA had not taken any action under article 19, regulatory authority is using the delaying tactics. Bench questioned that should we order the investigation of fake news to Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), who gave this news to media, beat reporter can’t do this.
Court also rebuked the appearance of Counsel Salman Akram Raja, and remarked that Salman Akram Raja is the lawyer of Nawaz Sharif but appeared on the behalf of PEMRA.
The court also summoned the attorney general (AG) of Pakistan as well as the advocate generals of all four provinces and the LHC’s registrar.
AG Ashtar Ausaf had subsequently appeared before the bench and presented the LHC decision.
“I want to read out the LHC’s decision in court,” he had said.
“You may be the first person to actually read this decision,” Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed retorted, observing that all media outlets had taken the LHC’s decision out of context by reporting that the court had banned Nawaz and Maryam’s speeches.
“This is not the case. Where in the verdict does it say that speeches [from the two leaders] have been banned?” the chief justice asked the AG.
“Maryam Nawaz and Nawaz Sharif can come here and speak for as long as they want,” Justice Nisar said and added, “Is there anyone in this country who would disagree with Article 19 of the 1973 Constitution?”
Article 19 of the 1973 Constitution, while allowing all citizens freedom of speech, also says that the freedom is “subject to any reasonable restrictions imposed by law in the interest of the glory of Islam or the integrity, security or defence of Pakistan or any part thereof, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality, or in relation to contempt of court, or incitement to an offence”.
“I cannot believe that court reporters disseminated this incorrect news. Who was it who made changes to the actual news?” the chief justice asked.
Text of order: Court Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar: We took Suo Motu Notice in this matter on account of media reports and panel discussions on various media channels based on an order dated 16.04.2018 passed by a Full Bench of the Lahore High Court, Lahore. A false impression was intentionally sought to be created amongst the general public by such news reports as well as panel discussions that Muhammad Nawaz Sharif (ex Prime Minister of Pakistan) and his daughter Ms. Maryam Safdar had been directed to be taken off air and Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) had been directed to stop broadcasting of speeches made by the said persons. Further, it was categorically stated that the learned High Court had banned airing of anti judiciary speeches by a large number of persons including Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Ms. Maryam Safdar.
Further, PEMRA has been directed to decide various applications moved by a number of applicants for enforcement of law against hate speech within a period of 15 days.
Humayun Khan PESHAWAR: A divisional bench of Peshawar High Court (PHC) comprised of Justice Ijaz…
Khaled Abou Zahr An exhibition of Western military equipment captured from Ukrainian forces by Russia…
Fady Halim and Joe Rached The growth of GCC cities has been remarkable. Between 1970…
Faisal J. Abbas There were a hectic but fruitful few days in Riyadh this week…
Broderick McDonald Across North America and Europe, the far-right Active Clubs movement is expanding at…
This website uses cookies.