JournalismPakistan.com | Published February 06, 2019
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD - The Supreme Court criticized the role of media and regulator PEMRA during the sit-in by Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) at Faizabad in November 2017 over the change in the wording of declaration of electoral candidates over the finality of the prophethood.
In its detailed verdict, the two-member SC bench comprising Justice Mushir Alam and Justice Qazi Faez Isa regretted that the “media provided unabated coverage to TLP. TLP’s leadership created hatred amongst the people, they abused, threatened and advocated violence; and this was broadcasted by some private television channels.”
According to the verdict, “TLP received prime-time free media coverage and publicity, transforming it overnight into a household name. Some talk-show hosts were termed unscrupulous who “incited and provoked citizens. The free publicity made TLP, a little known political party, into a phenomenon.”
This publicity helped TLP get a sizable number of votes in the general elections on 25 July 2018.
It said ISI’s report “identified Channel 92 as a television channel supporting TLP and stated that its owners had supplied food to the protestors occupying the Faizabad Interchange”.
It regretted that PEMRA, however, did not take action under the PEMRA Ordinance against any of its licensees for violating the terms of their licenses. “PEMRA abdicated its statutory duty, a duty which it was legally obliged to fulfil.”
On the other hand, it added that television channels and newspapers had complained about interference in their broadcasts and the delivery of their publications, but PEMRA failed to protect the legitimate rights of its licensed broadcasters.
“Broadcasts by DAWN and Geo television channels were stopped/interrupted; complaints stating this were acknowledged by PEMRA. DAWN and Geo were particularly targeted in the cantonment and defence housing authority areas of the country, which too was confirmed by PEMRA. But, sadly, PEMRA looked the other way. It did nothing to protect the interests of its licensees nor took action against those cable operators who were responsible. On 19th March 2018 and on 24th April 2018, information was sought from PEMRA as to who was responsible, but PEMRA professed ignorance.”
It also regretted that daily Dawn, "the oldest English language newspaper of the country, which was founded by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, was targeted the most."
The verdict said overt and covert censorship is unconstitutional and illegal. “Nebulous tactics, such as issuing advice to self-censor, to suppress independent viewpoints, to project prescribed ones, to direct who should be hired or fired by media organizations is also illegal.”
Photo: www.supremecourt.gov.pk
June 11, 2025: Pakistan celebrated a narrow win over Bangladesh, but beneath the jubilation lies a deeper crisis—from sidelined veterans to a collapsing domestic structure—signaling an urgent need for cricket reform.
June 11, 2025: Journalists walked out of the post-budget press conference in Islamabad to protest the absence of a technical briefing and the government's dismissive behavior, calling it unacceptable and intolerable.
May 31, 2025: Dr. Nauman Niaz has issued a defamation notice to Shoaib Akhtar over derogatory remarks made during a recent broadcast, reigniting a longstanding media feud between the two prominent figures in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has demanded the full repeal of PECA, citing its vague language, coercive powers, and threats to free speech and digital rights in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned the murder of journalist Syed Mohammed Shah in Jacobabad, calling for urgent justice and improved safety for media professionals in Sindh.
May 26, 2025: In Rawalpindi, police allegedly side with Jang Group to block 66 reinstated employees from resuming work despite court orders, drawing sharp criticism from unions and press freedom advocates.
May 25, 2025: PFUJ condemns the Jang Group's decision to dismiss over 80 employees in Rawalpindi, calling it an 'economic massacre.' The union warns of nationwide protests if workers are not reinstated.
May 25, 2025: Daily Jang Rawalpindi has terminated over 80 employees, including female staff, despite multiple court rulings in their favor—raising concerns over labor rights violations and misuse of authority in Pakistani media.
May 19, 2025 PJS reports 219 Palestinian journalists killed in Israeli attacks since October 7, with 30 women among the victims. Over 430 were injured and 685 family members were killed. Read more on the systematic targeting of media in Gaza.
May 15, 2025 Discover the legacy of Samiullah Khan, Pakistan’s legendary "Flying Horse," whose breathtaking speed and artistry redefined hockey. From Olympic glory to World Cup triumphs, his story is one of myth, movement, and magic.
May 04, 2025 Algerian authorities suspend Echorouk News TV for 10 days after it used a racist slur against African migrants. ANIRA demands an apology, calling it a violation of human dignity.
May 04, 2025 NCHR and MMfD launch a journalism fellowship to train reporters on digital rights & gender inclusion in Pakistan. Supported by UNESCO, this initiative aims to bridge the gender digital divide. Apply by May 15, 2025!
April 23, 2025 Discover Dr. Nauman Niaz’s In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple & Triple Centuries 1876–2025, a profound exploration of cricket's most monumental innings, blending historical analysis with poetic narrative.