SC issues notices to Mubashir and ARY CEO for defaming judiciary

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 9 September 2014

The Supreme Court issued notices to anchor Mubashir Luqman and ARY CEO for defaming the judiciary. The court is addressing the media's role after recent criticisms.

Summary

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court has issued notices to controversial television anchor Mubashir Luqman and the CEO of ARY News for defaming the judiciary in a program aired on May 29, Dawn reported Tuesday.

A three-member special bench, headed by Justice Ejaz Afzal, ordered the Deputy Attorney General to explain why the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority was functioning on an ad hoc basis. The Deputy AG told the court a committee has been constituted by the Prime Minister to review the code of conduct for both print and electronic media after repeated attacks on the judiciary in recent months. Having reviewed the program broadcast by ARY, the bench observed there were several things that required proceedings.

The hearing was later adjourned until September 15.

KEY POINTS:

• Supreme Court acts against Mubashir Luqman and ARY News CEO
• Notices issued for defamation of judiciary
• Hearing adjourned until September 15
• Deputy AG to explain PM's committee on media conduct
• Concerns raised over media functioning on ad hoc basis