SC issues show-cause notices to television channels

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court reissued show-cause notices to 34 television channels for allegedly airing contemptuous remarks made by lawmakers against the judiciary.

The notices were part of an ongoing contempt case involving Senator Faisal Vawda and Muttahida Qaumi Movement–Pakistan (MQM-P) National Assembly member Mustafa Kamal. The court expressed dissatisfaction with the channels’ explanations.

Read more: SC accepts unconditional apologies of Vawda, Mustafa Kamal

Chief Justice (CJ) Qazi Faez Isa and Justices Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi examined whether the channels complied with judicial directives in their broadcasts. They noted alleged discrepancies in the channels’ responses, particularly questioning the authenticity of unsigned submissions.

The lawyer representing 26 channels, argued that the broadcasts served public interest under article 19-A of the constitution. However, the CJ raised concerns that the channels’ responses did not sufficiently rebut suspicions of “malicious intent” in broadcasting the statements.

Detailed earnings records related to the broadcasts was also requested as part of the supreme court’s ongoing proceedings on the case.

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The court accepted unconditional apologies from Vawda and Kamal for their remarks, withdrawing show-cause notices against them while warning of future adherence to judicial decorum.

The initial notices were issued via the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on June 5, following controversial press conferences where Vawda and Kamal criticised the judiciary, subsequently covered extensively by the media.