Pittsburgh Post-Gazette to cease publication May 3 New York Times lawsuit advances as Pentagon press access faces scrutiny Arab states rank among the world’s toughest for journalists Rights group raises alarm over Pakistan court verdicts Irish media groups warn Garda bill threatens reporter sources Semafor digital news startup raises $30 million NBCUniversal Winter Olympics ad inventory sells out early Media groups hold U.S. town hall on authoritarianism U.S. appeal revives debate on DHS force against journalists Knight-Bagehot Fellowship opens applications for 2026 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette to cease publication May 3 New York Times lawsuit advances as Pentagon press access faces scrutiny Arab states rank among the world’s toughest for journalists Rights group raises alarm over Pakistan court verdicts Irish media groups warn Garda bill threatens reporter sources Semafor digital news startup raises $30 million NBCUniversal Winter Olympics ad inventory sells out early Media groups hold U.S. town hall on authoritarianism U.S. appeal revives debate on DHS force against journalists Knight-Bagehot Fellowship opens applications for 2026
Logo
Janu
Women in Media

Supreme Court rules Ata ul Haq Qasmi's appointment as chairman PTV illegal

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 8 November 2018

Join our WhatsApp channel

Supreme Court rules Ata ul Haq Qasmi's appointment as chairman PTV illegal
The Supreme Court ruled Ata ul Haq Qasmi's appointment as chairman of PTV was illegal. The court highlighted lapses in the appointment process and directed recovery of funds from involved officials.

ISLAMABAD - The Supreme Court on Thursday declared Ata ul Haq Qasmi’s appointment as chairman of Pakistan Television (PTV) illegal.

The court had reserved the judgment on February 26.

A two-member bench comprising Justices Umar Ata Bandial and Yahya Afridi announced the verdict. It said the rules were not followed in the appointment of Ataul Haq Qasmi as Chairman PTV.

Qasmi, a veteran columnist, and poet was appointed the chairman of the state-run television in December 2015. He resigned in December 2017.

The Supreme Court verdict said: “Taking into account the lapses and illegal actions committed by Mr. Qasmi as a Director and the Chairman of PTV, Mr. Pervaiz Rashid, Minister for Information, Mr. Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister and Mr. Fawad Hasan Fawad, Secretary to the PM, we hereby direct that the amount of Rs.197,867,491/- be recovered from them.”

The court ruled that all administrative orders passed by Qasmi as chairman were also illegal.

KEY POINTS:

  • Supreme Court verdict announced on February 26.
  • Lapses in appointment procedure were cited.
  • Qasmi served as chairman from December 2015 to December 2017.
  • Orders issued by Qasmi deemed illegal by the court.
  • Recovery of over Rs.197 million directed from certain officials.

Explore Further

Newsroom
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette to cease publication May 3

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette to cease publication May 3

 January 08, 2026 Block Communications will close the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on May 3, 2026, ending its long run after years of financial losses and labor-related legal rulings.


New York Times lawsuit advances as Pentagon press access faces scrutiny

New York Times lawsuit advances as Pentagon press access faces scrutiny

 January 08, 2026 The New York Times is suing the Pentagon over credential rules, saying they violate the First Amendment as March hearing heightens scrutiny of military access.


Arab states rank among the world's toughest for journalists

Arab states rank among the world's toughest for journalists

 January 08, 2026 Arab states remain among the world's most restrictive places for journalists, where censorship, detentions and legal pressures limit independent reporting.


Irish media groups warn Garda bill threatens reporter sources

Irish media groups warn Garda bill threatens reporter sources

 January 07, 2026 NewsBrands Ireland says the Garda Síochána (Powers) Bill could weaken journalists' source protections by allowing device seizures and delaying privilege review.


Semafor digital news startup raises $30 million

Semafor digital news startup raises $30 million

 January 07, 2026 Semafor raised $30 million, lifting its valuation to about $330 million to fund expansion of newsletters, podcasts, live events and additional newsroom hires.


Popular Stories