SC takes notice of Dunya conversation

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 15 June 2012

The Supreme Court of Pakistan has responded to a leaked conversation from a Dunya TV interview with Malik Riaz. This incident raises serious allegations about the integrity of the interview process.

Summary

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has taken notice of behind the scene conversation during a program on Dunya TV that featured an interview with property magnate Malik Riaz. The court has sought footage of the program Dunya Special aired on Wednesday from the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA). A video of the conversation that took place between program hosts MubasharLucqman and MeherBukhari and Riazduring the commercial breaks was leaked Thursday. The conversation clearly showed the interview was pre-planned. At one point Meher admits herself it was a planted one. The leaked video that first went up on YouTube and later on Facebook and other social media embarrassed the management of Dunya TV. As a result Lucqman was said to have been fired and Director Current Affairs NasimZehra opted to quit. Meher during a program on Thursday night attempted to clarify her position by saying “it was normal to do what she did.” Riaz, of Bahria Town fame, is in the spotlight for making damaging accusations against the Supreme Court during a Press conference in Islamabad Tuesday. He also claims that DrArsalanIftikhar, the son of Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, allegedly accepted kickbacks and bribes worth over Rs 342.5 million (US$3.6 million).

KEY POINTS:

• Supreme Court seeks footage from PEMRA.
• Leaked video reveals a pre-planned interview.
• Hosts Mubashar Lucqman and Meher Bukhari implicated.
• Dunya TV management faces backlash from the incident.
• Malik Riaz makes serious allegations against the judiciary.