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Journalism of Courage
Pakistan’s Supreme Court on Wednesday issued a contempt notice to 34 TV channels for airing alleged anti-judiciary press conferences of two politicians last month.
Senator Faisal Vawda, who was elected as an independent candidate, and Mustafa Kamal, a Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) lawmaker, faced contempt of court proceedings for holding separate press conferences, allegedly passing critical remarks about the judges of the top judiciary.
A three-member bench led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and comprising Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Justice Irfan Saadat Khan heard the contempt of court case against the two.
During the hearing, CJ Isa criticised media channels for broadcasting obscene language and questioned the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) ban on reporting court proceedings.
The bench issued notices to 34 TV channels for airing derogatory speeches and instructed them to respond within two weeks. It also asked Pemra to come up with its response regarding the ban on reporting court proceedings.
The court also rejected the apology tendered by Kamal in a contempt case, while it gave Vawda one week to submit his response in the case.
Later, the court adjourned the case until June 28.
