LAHORE – The Lahore High Court on Monday sought detailed report on stepstaken by Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) to controlbroadcasting of alleged anti-judiciary speeches by former prime ministerNawaz Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz and other leaders of the PML-N ontelevision channels.

Full bench, comprising Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, Justice AtirMahmood and Justice Chaudhry Muhammad Masood Jahangir, is the forth benchwhich held its maiden hearing on the petitions seeking ban on broadcastingof alleged contemptuous speeches.

Hot words were exchanged between Sharif’s counsel AK Dogar and JusticeNaqvi when the former objected to the inclusion of Justice Mahmood in thebench. Dogar said Justice Mahmood had been serving as general secretary ofPakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf’s lawyer forum in the past.

Taking his objection seriously, Justice Naqvi, head of the bench, observed,“After elevation, a judge has no relation or connection with any group orparty”.

Justice Naqvi did not take kindly to the lawyer’s attempt at repartee,reminding him that he was standing in the courtroom. “Mr Dogar, this is acourt; decisions here will be taken according to the law rather than yourwishes.”

“What is this what you have started? Are these legal arguments?” JusticeNaqvi reminded AK Dogar. Justice Naqvi barred AK Dogar from raisingunnecessary objections and asked him to advance legal arguments. “It is myright to raise objections,” said Dogar said. Justice Naqvi remarked thatthe notices had not been served as yet, so how the arguments could beadvanced.

Justice Atir Mahmood said, “You (Dogar) know better the respect of thecourt, Dogar Sb your associates are interfering”. Dogar insisted that hisclient (Nawaz Sharif) had been served notices. Justice Naqvi remarked thatno notice had been served on his clients as per the application lying infront of the bench.

“You know everything while sitting at home,” Justice Naqvi addressed thelawyer. He asked the lawyer to advance arguments after the notices havebeen served. “It is as if you are appearing first time in the court, youknow how much you are respected, so keep your respect intact,” the judgefurther remarked. “You remained prime minister for three times and youshould be humble and down to earth,” Justice Naqvi addressed Mr. Dogar, thecounsel of Nawaz Sharif.