Karachi: After the Islamabad High Court (IHC), the Sindh High Court allowed journalists to report on the case, but asked them to follow “policies and laws”.
The SHC’s decision came while hearing a plea by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) to the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) to restrict the broadcast of the trial on news channels.
The apex court said that the apex court’s directions should be followed while reporting as Pemra may be acting in violation of the rules and guidelines laid down by the SC.
Meanwhile, following a similar petition by the Press Association and PFUJ, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) assured journalists that court reporting would not be banned, but that court reporting was “irresponsible”.
IHC Chief Justice Adalat Farooq said, “There is no reporting ban in the court. The media can report the proceedings.”
However, the chief justice said the ban was based on “irresponsible reporting”. Justice Farooq said, “The problem is only dealing with sensational records.”
The petition prompted the electronic media watchdog to order TV channels not to carry reports on court proceedings and for journalists to report only written messages from the court.
In a May 21 notice, the media watchdog indicated that all licensed satellite news channels will not include comments, opinions or suggestions on the possible fate of such a lawsuit that seeks to undermine the court’s order. .
“Furthermore, the TV channels were directed not to broadcast any notes/titles related to the proceedings until the final verdict,” he said.
All Hemra TV license holders have been directed to ensure Pemra’s legal compliance by the Supreme Court in its Suo Moto Ruling No. 28 of 2018 (reported as PLD SC 1 of 2019).
News agencies have been warned of legal action in case of violations.
