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LHC bans publication of statements, pictures of MQM Chief
Posted On Sep 07 2015
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A full bench of the Lahore High Court on Monday directed the electronic and print media to completely blackout the activities of MQM chief Altaf Hussain, including hate speeches, any news regarding his activities and display of his picture.
But, there was no news if the council had issued any notification in this regard. The court accepted the plea and adjourned the hearing until September 18.
They also prayed to the court to order the authorities concerned to implement the ban on the live telecast of the speeches of the MQM chief and his party leaders.
The counsels for the petitioners said the directive was of a generic nature and it did not specify if the order was against Altaf’s speeches.
Last week, the bench heard petitions filed by Virk, Malik and others seeking a ban on the media coverage of Altaf Hussain’s speeches because of his alleged remarks against state institutions, including the army and Rangers.
However, he sought time to submit a report in light of the court’s August 31 order and assured the bench that he would submit it soon.
After the LHC’s decision, the MQM chose to challenge the verdict in the Supreme Court. The judge ordered the PEMRA representative to issue a fresh advisory to all channels and newspapers for an immediate ban on Altaf Hussain’s photos and statements.
They said their petition contained sufficient material to establish that the speeches made by MQM chief were against integrity and sovereignty of the country.
The petitioners also sought proceedings under Article 6 of the constitution against the MQM chief and disqualification of his party’s parliamentarians.
The petitioners had argued that Altaf was a British national and no foreign citizen could head a political party in Pakistan under the Political Parties Act.
They said that all these MQM members were tarnishing the image of Pakistan across the world. The petition maintained that Altaf was in violation of Article 5 which asks for showing loyalty to the state and obedience to the constitution.
