Court refers petition seeking ban on MQM chief to PEMRA
JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 2 April 2015
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The Lahore High Court has directed a petition to PEMRA for a ban on Altaf Hussain's televised speeches. The petitioner argues Hussain's foreign nationality violates Pakistani political party laws.Summary
ISLAMABAD: Lahore High Court Thursday referred a petition to Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority seeking ban on Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain’s televised speeches, dunyanews.tv reported.
Petitioner Kashif Sulemani Advocate argued before Justice Ejazul Hassan that no foreign national could lead a party in Pakistan.
“Altaf Hussain is a British national and the Political Parties Act bars a foreign national to run a political party in Pakistan,” he said.
He also said PEMRA rules do not allow the MQM chief to deliver speeches to his supporters through private television channels.
The petitioner urged the court to issue orders of Hussain’s suspension from leadership of the MQM in light of death row convict and former MQM activist Saulat Mirza’s video statement.
The court directed the petitioner to approach PEMRA on the matter.
KEY POINTS:
- Lahore High Court hears petition against Altaf Hussain.
- Petitioner claims foreign nationals can't lead political parties.
- Altaf Hussain is a British citizen.
- Court advises contacting PEMRA regarding the ban.
- Concerns raised over speeches aired on private channels.
