Karachi: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has issued contempt notices to 34 TV channels for broadcasting the “anti-judicial press conference” of Senator Faisal Wawad and MQM-P leader Mustafa Kamal.
On Wednesday, a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Faez Jesus and chaired by Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghani and Justice Irfan Saadat Khan heard the contempt case against Kamal and Wawda.
Both politicians held strong press conferences in early May criticizing the judiciary. Wawda said evidence was needed before charges could be filed, while Kamal said justice “can only be bought” and aimed to set moral standards for judges.
The apex court on Friday issued show-cause notices to the two leaders for their comments on the judiciary and also ordered the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) to hand over the video recording of Wawada’s press conference and the Urdu transcript from May 15 with Kamal’s press. conference. May 16
At today’s hearing, Kamal’s lawyer, Barrister Farogh Naseem, asked the court to give his client an unconditional one-page apology.
He said that Kamal was really concerned about the expected Riba (usury). CJP Isa asked why the case was filed in the Federal High Court. When CJP Isa decided to take suo motu action on the speech, he was subjected to abusive language, asking whether such language is acceptable in any country.
He said the notice was not a criticism aimed at him, but a criticism of the judiciary. Wawda’s lawyer, Moiz Ahmed, said his client wanted to discuss Pemra, and the CJP supported Isa’s right to act as counsel.
Noting that Wawda was going to read Ahmed’s questions and answers from the press conference, Justice Saadat reviewed the content, saying that Wawda was clearly targeting Justice Babar Sattar and Justice Athar Minallah.
CJP Isa criticized media channels for spreading obscene language and banning coverage of Pemra proceedings. Emphasizing the importance of journalistic integrity, he criticized those who spread lies to make money.
The court issued warnings to 34 TV channels for airing offensive content and ordered them to respond within two weeks. In addition, the court sought Pemra’s response to ban the reporting of the proceedings.
Moreover, Kamal insulted and refused Kamal’s forgiveness.
Justice Irfan Sadaat Khan invited Kamala’s lawyer to hold a press conference to defend the former media personality.
The bench also accepted a request to reconsider the reply given by Wawda’s counsel.
The case was adjourned until June 28, giving Wawa a week to respond to the suo motu notice.
