Dr Shahid Masood. PHOTO COURTESY: Twitter/Shahid Masood
A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar resumed hearing in case pertaining to allegations made by Masood regarding the rapist and murderer of the seven-year-old.
During court proceedings, Masood expressed his regret for the statements he made in the programme as Additional Advocate General Punjab pointed out that TV shows are watched by millions.
“The reply is unacceptable,” said Justice Nisar. “Time for pardon has passed.”
The chief justice observed that Masood had made incorrect statements before the court. “This is also contempt of court,” noted CJP. “There will be punishment as per law.”
Inquiring about the duration for which the programme can be put on hold, Justice Nisar said the role of PEMRA has to be looked into.
Defense Counsel Shah Khawar told the bench that Masood is a renowned journalist and he speaks the truth.
However the Additional Advocate General highlighted how investigations in Zainab’s rape and murder case had been put on hold for 48 hours due to Masood’s allegations.
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Justice Nisar has said the top court will also hear arguments from the prosecutor and attorney general. “We will see if terrorism section can be applied here,” he added.
He reminded Masood that the anchorperson had also criticised the CJP in his show. He added that although the time for apology had passed, Masood still has not apologised.
“If this case is about contempt of court then we tender unconditional apology,” said Masood’s lawyer.
Rejecting the offer, CJP said the journalist should realise his mistake. “It is not about awarding punishment but about teaching him the law.”
Appointing Advocate Faisal Siddiqui as amicus in the case, the bench decided to proceed further against the senior anchorperson. The top court directed Masood to submit a copy of his reply to attorney general and additional advocate general.
The hearing has been adjourned till March 12.
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