MQM boss challenges LHC decision to ban him from media
JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 5 October 2015
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Altaf Hussain, the MQM leader, has filed an appeal against the Lahore High Court's decision to ban his speeches from media. His lawyer argues the ban infringes on constitutional rights.Summary
ISLAMABAD: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Chief Altaf Hussain, whose speeches remain banned on television in Pakistan, has challenged this decision of Lahore High Court.
An appeal in this regard was filed by his lawyer Asma Jahangir in the Supreme Court Monday. The appeal calls for declaring the LHC decision null and void and states it violates freedom of expression, basic rights and the constitution. The LHC on September 7 had directed Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to ban publishing and broadcasting of pictures and speeches of MQM chief Altaf Hussain.
A three member bench of the LHC headed by Justice Syed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi directed PEMRA to implement a ban on electronic and print media until further orders. Responding to LHC’s directives Director-General Operations PEMRA told the court that the print media did not fall under the jurisdiction of the regulatory body. The bench directed Additional Attorney-General Naseer Ahmed Bhutta to ensure implementation of the ban in the print media by conveying the court’s order to the chairman Press Council of Pakistan. The LHC had passed the orders while hearing three identical petitions filed by Malik Maqsood Ahmad Awan, Aftab Ahmad Virk and Abdullah Malik for proceedings against Altaf Hussain under Article 6 of the Constitution.
KEY POINTS:
- Altaf Hussain's speeches are currently banned in Pakistan.
- He has filed an appeal in the Supreme Court against the LHC decision.
- The ban was issued by a three-member LHC bench.
- The appeal argues that the ban violates freedom of expression.
- PEMRA was directed to enforce the media ban despite jurisdiction issues.
