Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court, Aamer Farooq, remarked in a case regarding restrictions on judicial reporting that there is no ban on such reporting. The media can report on judicial proceedings.
The hearing was held on a petition filed by the Islamabad High Court Journalists Association against the ban on judicial reporting, along with petitions from the Press Association and PFUJ.
During the session, petitioners Fayaz Mahmood, Rizwan Qazi, and Aqeel Afzal appeared in court. Along with the petitioner’s lawyer, Barrister Umar Ijaz Gilani, and the President of the Islamabad Bar Association, Riassat Ali Azad. PEMRA submitted its response to the court.
Chief Justice Aamer Farooq clarified that there is no restriction on judicial reporting itself but rather on irresponsible reporting. The issue arises only with sensational headlines.
The court inquired from the Additional Attorney General about the federal government’s involvement in this matter. Additional Attorney General Munawar Iqbal Duggal responded that this is a PEMRA issue and not related to the federal government.
Barrister Umar Ijaz Gilani informed the court that the law PEMRA is relying on does not impose a ban on reporting sub judice cases.
The court requested final arguments at the next hearing and adjourned the case until June 11.
It is noteworthy that the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has banned broadcasting information or tickers associated with sub judice court cases.
PEMRA Directive on Reporting Sub Judice Cases
In its directive, PEMRA stated that news, current affairs, and regional language TV channels should avoid broadcasting tickers. News related to ongoing court cases and should not report on written court orders either.
Furthermore, PEMRA instructed broadcasters not to air any comments, opinions, or recommendations about the potential outcome of cases in courts or tribunals.
Subsequently, journalistic organizations rejected PEMRA’s notification banning judicial reporting.
The Press Association of the Supreme Court and the Islamabad High Court Journalists Association held a meeting to review PEMRA’s imposed ban on judicial reporting.
Journalistic organizations dismissed PEMRA’s notification. Stating that it violates the freedom of the press and an independent judiciary.
In their statement, they emphasized that the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees the proper freedom of expression and get right of entry to to information. PEMRA no longer has the authority to limit reporting on judicial complaints.
They in addition stated that PEMRA’s notification is a blatant violation of Articles 19 and 19. A of the Constitution and demanded that the notification implementing restrictions on judicial reporting be withdrawn.
