LHC issues notice to MQM founder Altaf Hussain in treason case
Summons PEMRA executive director after taking notice of criticism of judiciary in media
Summons PEMRA executive director after taking notice of criticism of judiciary in media. PHOTO: EXPRESS / FILE
LAHORE:
The Lahore High Court (LHC) issued on Thursday notices to Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) founder Altaf Hussain and interior secretary pertaining to the filing of a treason case against Altaf.
A three-member bench comprising of Justice Muzahir Ali Akbar Naqvi, Justice Ali Baqir Najfi and Justice Aliya Neelum began hearing of a petition filed by Advocate Azhar Siddiqui drawing the high court’s attention towards controversial statements made by the MQM supremo about Pakistan and its military establishment.
Siddiqui wrote that Altaf had defamed state institutions hence he should be tried for treason.
Observing that the defendant’s counsel Asma Jahangir had passed away, the court has given one-week’s time for the hiring of a new legal representative.
The hearing has been adjourned until April 5.
Taking notice of controversial comments made on TV channels regarding judiciary, Justice Naqvi said while the media could implore freedom of speech, the law did not allow it to criticise judiciary.
“When people cannot critcise judiciary in parliament then how can someone contradict the institution on TV?” he added.
The bench has also summoned Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) executive director in the next hearing.
The Lahore High Court (LHC) issued on Thursday notices to Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) founder Altaf Hussain and interior secretary pertaining to the filing of a treason case against Altaf.
A three-member bench comprising of Justice Muzahir Ali Akbar Naqvi, Justice Ali Baqir Najfi and Justice Aliya Neelum began hearing of a petition filed by Advocate Azhar Siddiqui drawing the high court’s attention towards controversial statements made by the MQM supremo about Pakistan and its military establishment.
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Siddiqui wrote that Altaf had defamed state institutions hence he should be tried for treason.
Observing that the defendant’s counsel Asma Jahangir had passed away, the court has given one-week’s time for the hiring of a new legal representative.
The hearing has been adjourned until April 5.
Taking notice of controversial comments made on TV channels regarding judiciary, Justice Naqvi said while the media could implore freedom of speech, the law did not allow it to criticise judiciary.
“When people cannot critcise judiciary in parliament then how can someone contradict the institution on TV?” he added.
The bench has also summoned Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) executive director in the next hearing.