LAHORE – Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar has assured renownedjournalist Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami that he will be provided justice againstslanderous allegations of getting land owned by Lahore DevelopmentAuthority on lease at throwaway prices.
Shami, the Chief Editor of Roznama Pakistan, on Thursday appeared before athree-member bench headed by the chief justice in the Supreme Court’sLahore Registry following a petition filed by a woman lawyer, accusing himof running six petrol pumps on the LDA land against a meager lease amount,Rs15,000.
The famous journalist maintained that all accusations leveled against himare false and slanderous. He denied owning a single petrol pump.
He informed the hourable court that his sons has dealership of Shell OilCompany at a filling station, adding that the land was acquired by Shell onthe lease.
To which, the chief justice remarked that this is a legal matter, adding,“We want to preserve your dignity”.
“Whether you do respect of someone or not,” CJP Nisar said in a lightermood. In reply, the renowned journalist said, “I speak every word withgreat care and own its responsibility”. “Never speak to disrespect someone”.
Shami said that he was informed about the plea against him by a UK-basedfriend. He pleaded the court to serve justice in the case, besides urgingit to cancel the Wakalatnamma of the lawyer for filing the falseapplication.
The applicant told the court that her petition is based on a reportbroadcast by local media. To which, Shami said that a private news channelhad broadcast the report about the petrol pumps, adding, “I contacted themedia outlet which later invited me where I denied it”. I was defamed byraising the false allegation against me,” he said.
The chief justice, later, asked the chief editor of leading Urdu newspaperto formally file a plea against it, adding that you will be served justice.