IHC issues notice to Geo News in contempt of court proceedings
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ISLAMABAD:Islamabad High Court has issued notice to Chief Executive of Geo News, Mir Ibrahim, its host Ayesha Bakhsh, Hassan Nisar and Imtiaz Alam in a contempt of court proceedings.
Justice Shuakat Aziz Siddiqui directed them to appear in person before the court to explain why contempt of court proceedings may not be initiated against them on airing a programme violating court orders in connection with Valentine's Day.
On February 14, 2018, program "Report Card" hosted by Ms. Ayesha Bakhsh and participated by Hassan Nisar, lmtiaz Alam, Hafeez Ullah Niazi, Mazhar Abbas, Irshad Bhatti and Babar Sattar, Advocate was telecast on Geo News.
One part of the program relating to order passed by the court against the promotion of Valentine's Day was rediculed, disrespected and discussed in a very derogatory manner, the court observed.
Justice Siddiqui remarked that prima facie, the host, Hassan Nisar and Imtiaz Alam without showing any respect or keeping in view the restrictions imposed by Article 19 of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973 freedom of speech, etc. crossed all limits of decency and morality.
He observed that the act of the host and participants mentioned above apparently was tainted with malafide, ulterior motives, aimed at undermining the authority of the court and to disrespect the order passed by this court, which clearly comes within the definition of contempt of court.
Subsequently the bench directed the Chief Executive of Geo News Mir Ibrahim, host Ayesha Bakhsh, participants, Hassan Nisar and Imtiaz Alam to appear before the court in person and explain that why contempt of court proceedings may not be initiated against them and why PEMRA may not be directed to initiate proceedings for the cancellation of license of the channel "Geo News".
The court also directed its office to make arrangements for watching the TV programme in the court room on next hearing and adjourned the case till February 27.APP/AFP
