Court slaps ban on airing of MQM chief's anti-state speeches

JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 31 August 2015

The Lahore High Court issued a ban on the publication of MQM chief Altaf Hussain's anti-state speeches. The ruling follows claims of treason made against him and others in the party's leadership.

Summary

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court Monday banned airing and publishing of anti-state speeches by Muttahida Quami Movement chief Altaf Hussain.

Three similar pleas filed against the MQM boss were heard by a three-judge full bench led by Justice Mazahir Ali Naqvi and comprising Justice Mazhar Iqbal Sidhu and Justice Erum Sajjad Gul. The petitioners claim that Hussain and the party’s Rabita Committee members have delivered speeches against Pakistan and the military. They are asking the court to order the government to try Hussain for high treason.

The LHC issued notices to Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) and the federal government asking them to submit their replies at the next hearing.

Key Points

Lahore High Court bans anti-state speeches by Altaf Hussain.
Three-judge panel includes Justice Mazahir Ali Naqvi.
Petitioners demand treason charges against Hussain.
PEMRA and federal government to respond at next hearing.
Speeches deemed harmful to Pakistan and its military.

Relevant Topics

Altaf Hussain

Lahore High Court

MQM

Anti-State

PEMRA

Treason

Ask AI: Understand this story your way

AI Enabled

Dig deeper, ask anything — get instant context, background, and clarity.

Language

Format

Tone

Audience

Focus

Reading level

Length

The AI generates results based on your selected options

Your AI-generated results will appear here after you click the button.

Disclaimer: This feature is powered by AI and is intended to help readers explore and understand news stories more easily. While we strive for accuracy, AI-generated responses may occasionally be incomplete or reflect limitations in the underlying model. This feature does not represent the editorial views of JournalismPakistan. For our full, verified reporting, please refer to the original article.

Sehar Kamran walks out after clash with Tarar

July 22, 2026: Senator Sehar Kamran left a National Assembly committee, accusing Information Minister Attaullah Tarar of shouting and blocking her questions on PTV, hiring and the ministry budget.

Pakistan Media Monitor | Edition 4 | July 7-20, 2026

July 20, 2026: During July 7-20, 2026 Pakistan's media faced legal action against journalists, expanded broadcast regulations, newsroom layoffs and surveillance concerns, revealing growing regulatory, economic and technological pressures on journalism.

Journalists question closed-door fuel price briefing

July 18, 2026: Journalists criticised a closed-door briefing where ministers said OGRA would set petroleum prices daily and energy reporters were not invited.

DRF USA report warns of expanding cyber surveillance in Pakistan

July 17, 2026: DRF USA warns that Pakistan's growing cyber surveillance, spyware, LIMS, and web monitoring pose serious privacy risks to press freedom and other digital rights.

Nine journalist threat cases recorded across Pakistan in June

July 15, 2026: Nine incidents of threats, arrests, legal action and assaults against journalists were recorded in Pakistan in June, highlighting threats to press freedom.

Why Punjab's district journalists are working second jobs to survive

July 14, 2026: Punjab district journalists take second jobs, running shops, tuition centres or filtration plants, to top up newsroom pay and keep reporting amid rising costs.

Pakistan Media Monitor | Edition 3 | June 23-July 6, 2026

July 06, 2026: Pakistan's media faced pressure as a major channel was suspended, journalists were arrested under cyberlaw, attacks occurred and AI-related debates intensified.

CPJ urges Pakistan to lift Geo News suspension

July 02, 2026: CPJ urged Pakistan to reverse PEMRA's 15-day suspension of Geo News' broadcast license, calling it a dangerous escalation of official interference with independent media.

Newsroom

Tarar alleges India-linked network spread anti-Pakistan propaganda

July 27, 2026 Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said investigators uncovered an India-linked digital propaganda network targeting Pakistan's institutions and leadership.

Azerbaijan bans Iranian media outlets in reciprocal move

July 27, 2026 Azerbaijan has banned Iranian outlets Səhər and Mehr, citing national security and reciprocity after Iran designated Azerbaijani state channel AzTV as hostile.

Kolkata journalists protest attacks

July 27, 2026 Hundreds of West Bengal journalists marched in Kolkata on July 27 to protest attacks on media during a July 24 rally and demanded safety and legal action.

Indian reporter assaulted amid 'lapdog media' backlash at protests

July 26, 2026 A Times Now reporter was assaulted by demonstrators in New Delhi while covering student anti-government protests amid anger over perceived lapdog media bias.

Rohit Sharma's batting explained: The science behind his greatness

July 26, 2026 Rohit Sharma's batting uses stillness, a late minimal trigger and steady head alignment to produce exceptional timing and effortless boundaries.