Suo motu notice: CJ takes note of Ziarat Residency attack broadcast

Court order states that the show was a violation of the provision of the Constitution.

ISLAMABAD:

Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry took a suo motu notice on the contents of a television show that aired the attack on Quaid-e-Azam’s Ziarat Residency, on Tuesday, stating that it was a violation of the provisions of the Constitution.

The telecast had shown video footage of the attack, refuting claims by security agencies that the rockets had been fired by terrorists from outside. Contrary to these claims, the video revealed that the residency was blown up by terrorists from within, as militants were seen carrying gas cylinders inside.

Furthermore the anchor of the show, had said that the militants had entered the venue after killing two security guards and numbered 5 to 6 militants who were wearing masks and were equipped with latest weaponry.

The host also revealed that the attackers collected all photographs and articles at one place before burning them.



The disturbing images in the broadcast showed militants lowering the national flag, tearing it and raising the flag of Balochistan Libration Army (BLA), before blowing up the residency with explosives.

Taking up the case, the Supreme Court said that “such material seems an infringement of the provisions of the Constitution.”The chief justice has summoned the chief executive officer of the television channel, chairman Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra), the attorney general and Balochistan advocate general on August 15.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 15^th, 2013.