SC bans pictures of elected officials in govt ads

Apex court orders govt agencies to immediately make payments to media houses

The Supreme Court has directed the federal government to clear all dues to media houses under the head of advertisements.

A three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar on Wednesday, resumed hearing in suo motu case regarding media advertisements.

The bench made it clear that the court did not stop the government from giving the advertisements to the media.

The apex court also issued notices to all media advertisement agencies. The bench will examine whether the role of advertising agencies should be mandatory or not.

During the hearing, the chief justice observed that in order to prevent 'pre-poll rigging', the media will not be allowed to feature pictures of political leaders in government-sponsored advertisements.

Justice Nisar said, “The use of pictures in the government advertisements on electronic or in print media is, henceforth, prohibited by the court.”

The CJP said that they will not intervene in the controversy that Geo TV is getting more government advertisement, than anyone else.

The federal government informed the Supreme Court that it spent Rs890 million on media advertisements during the last three months.

Additional Attorney General Nayar Rizvi submitted the report detailing the expenditure of the federal government incurred on the advertisements to the print and electronic media.

Around Rs464 million was spent on 200 classified advertisements in the print media, Rs426 million on display advertisements and Rs200 million were spent on advertisements in the electronic media.

Justice Umar Ata Bandial lamented that around one billion rupees have been spent on the publicity through government advertisements.

“Instead of criticising the individuals, the court wants to correct the system,” he added.

The chief justice asked president of the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), Hameed Haroon, how did he view the government’s publishing, self-promotional material and whether it was appropriate.



Upon this, Haroon said that the APNS will accept whatever decision the chief justice takes in accordance with the law, adding, "We cannot encourage any particular entity."

The chief justice also asked the federal government to explain the formula under which it gives advertisements to media houses.

He also hinted at banning development projects before the general elections.

Meanwhile, Additional Advocate General Asma Hamid challenged the Supreme Court’s order wherein the Punjab chief minister was asked to pay Rs5.5 million to the treasury.

The counsel stated that pictures have been appearing on media advertisements since 1947.

During the hearing, the bench asked the information secretary when the federal government will be able to pay dues to the media houses.

The secretary submitted that the total budget of the ministry is Rs225 million and dues will be given after approval of the summary by relevant quarters.