JournalismPakistan.com | Published August 23, 2021
Join our WhatsApp channelISLAMABAD—The Supreme Court on Monday issued notices to the attorney general for Pakistan (AGP), president Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan (SCBAP), and vice-chairman of Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) for legal assistance in journalists' complaint case, APP reported.
A five-member larger bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Umar Ata Bandial and comprising Justice Ijaz Ul Ahsan, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Qazi Muhammad Amin Ahmad, and Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, heard the case and held in abeyance the order of a division bench on an application about journalists' complaint.
During proceedings, the bench issued notices to the AGP, president SCBA, and vice-chairman PBC for legal assistance in regards to how the suo moto matter should be entertained.
The bench also raised questions on how suo moto was taken by a division bench, headed by Justice Qazi Faez Isa regarding journalists' protection.
The bench observed that a division bench issued an order on August 20 against an application that was not pending before the court. The two-member bench also issued notices to government agencies, federal and provincial advocate generals, it added.
The bench remarked that the order directed that the case be fixed before the same bench on August 26 while the two-member bench, comprising Justice Qazi Faez Isa and Justice Jamal Mandokhel, was not available on August 26.
The bench asked whether a special bench should be constituted for this matter. The directives of the August 20 order, would remain in force, it added.
The court directed the respondents to submit replies regarding the harassment of journalists.
The bench remarked that the court would not look at the important questions, raised by the journalists at the moment. The real question was about the jurisdiction regarding the invocation of suo moto notice, it added.
The court directed that the issue of journalists' complaints would remain ineffective until the new bench was formed.
The court stated that the bench would look into the matter that could anyone other than the chief justice take suo moto notice. Generally, there was a tradition that a bench other than the chief justice, could propose a matter for suo moto notice, it added.
The bench remarked that the court wanted to hear real stakeholders regarding the invocation of suo moto notice.
Later, the hearing of the case was adjourned till Wednesday.
Photo courtesy: Geo News
October 07, 2024: Geo News anchors criticize Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif for using the banned platform X to address the Karachi attack. Their remarks spark debate over the government’s selective use of banned social media. Read more about the ongoing legal case challenging the X ban.
October 06, 2024: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) condemns violence against journalists during a PTI protest and demands the immediate release of Faizan Hussain, a senior journalist detained by the government.
October 03, 2024: Veteran journalists condemn threats made by TLP leader Anas Rizvi against senior journalist Azaz Syed, urging the government to take immediate action to ensure his safety and protect press freedom.
September 30, 2024: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned an attack on journalists in Karachi by religious party workers, calling for an FIR and immediate arrests of the perpetrators.
September 30, 2024: Dr. Sadia Kamal has made history by becoming the first female president of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ-Workers), a significant milestone for her career and Pakistani journalism. Learn about her exceptional journey, years of service, leadership in various media roles, and dedication to ethical journalism.
September 28, 2024: The winners of the Pakistan RTI Quiz Contest 2024, organized by the Pakistan Information Commission and the Press Network of Pakistan, have been announced. Promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance, the quiz highlighted the importance of the Right to Information and citizen empowerment.
September 28, 2024: Explore the alarming rise of online trolling and harassment faced by women journalists in Pakistan, highlighting recent cases involving anchors like Shiffa Z. Yousafzai and Asma Chaudhry. This article delves into the societal challenges these women encounter and the urgent need for action against online abuse
September 27, 2024: TV anchor Shiffa Z. Yousafzai has refuted false rumors about her marriage, calling attention to the harassment working women face in a male-dominated society. She urges social media platforms to remove false content and calls people to stand against such targeting.
October 06, 2024 The International Labour Organization (ILO) invites journalists to participate in its 10th Global Media Competition, aiming to promote fair and balanced reporting on labor migration. Join the initiative to highlight the positive contributions of migrant workers and combat discrimination.
October 06, 2024 Explore how Thailand's media covers pressing environmental challenges, including climate change, pollution, and conservation efforts. This article examines the role of journalism in raising awareness and fostering public engagement on critical environmental issues.
October 06, 2024 Discover the essential techniques and tips for conducting successful sports interviews. This article explores how to engage athletes and ask the right questions to deliver compelling stories.
October 06, 2024 Learn how to effectively engage your audience on social media to boost your business. Discover proven strategies and tips for creating meaningful interactions that drive growth and success.
October 06, 2024 Explore how global crises are reported differently by various media outlets globally. This article dives into the media’s role in shaping perspectives, biases, and narratives on major world events.