Journalists seeking relief for Nawaz Sharif vanished from hearing: No relief for fugitives, IHC

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) heard a petition seeking broadcast of speeches of fugitives and notorious accused. During the hearing, Chief Justice Atharmanullah of IHC said that it was not in the public interest to give relief to a fugitive accused.

The court asked lawyer Salman Akram Raja for whom you are seeking relief? Will anyone benefit from the order you are asking for? In the case of Pervez Musharraf, we have already decided that there is no relief for any fugitive. Tell the petitioners for whom they are seeking relief? And who has been banned by PEMRA? The applicant here is not an affected party, two people are affected by this order.

Salman Akram Raja said that not two, thousands of people are affected. The court remarked that the affected party can appeal against the order of PEMRA.

At the same time, the court asked which fugitive petitioner wants to be interviewed on air. Should all fugitives be allowed to do so again? The citizenship of the fugitive accused can be revoked.

The fugitive accused has to surrender before the court first and then he can avail his legal rights, While, in this case, the fugitive accused is not going to court himself, the court remarked.

On the judicial remarks, Salman Akram Raja said that our right to access information is being affected, Article 19A allows freedom of expression.

On which Chief Justice Athar Minallah remarked that it is very serious to be a fugitive. The Chief Justice said that the government allowed the fugitive accused to go abroad but the blame fell on the judiciary.

Similarly, the court argued, if the court revokes the order of PEMRA, then all the fugitives have the right to go on air. Yes, the court cannot give relief to the fugitive accused.

Lawyer Salman Akram Raja took the position that PEMRA’s order is for journalists and media persons, therefore they are the affected parties. The Chief Justice said that the entire judicial system is being tested. Giving relief to a fugitive accused is not in the public interest.

The Chief Justice said that with your request, relief will be given to all the fugitive accused who do not want to be given to the court. So he can’t even challenge the illegal order of the court.

The court said that freedom of expression is very important but the question is a bit different here. You should take further instructions from the petitioners in this regard and give arguments on the admissibility of the petition at the next hearing.

However, the court adjourned further hearing till December 16.