Geo News resumption: SHC issues notice to deputy AG for July 7

By
AFP
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Geo News resumption: SHC issues notice to deputy AG for July 7
KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Wednesday heard a petition pertaining to changing the Geo News position on the cable TV network and restricting it in several areas despite the expiry of suspension period of 15 days.

A two judge-bench of the SHC comprising Justice Aqeel Abbasi and Justice Junaid Waqar heard the case today.

The petition was filed by Saim Hashmi Advocate on behalf of Independent Media Corporation (IMC) against the illegal closure of Geo News on cable network despite the expiry of 15 days ban imposed by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA). World Call, PEMRA and Information Ministry were made party in the case.

The petitioner stated that cable operators have not yet restored Geo News on its previous position despite the order issued by the Supreme Court which is an unlawful act and open violation of the apex court’s order. He also prayed the court to order the cable operators to resume Geo News transmission on the position as it was on April 19.

Responding to this, the court issued a notice to the deputy attorney general to appear on July 7 and adjourned the hearing.

It may be mentioned that the PEMRA had ordered the cable operators to restore Geo News on its previous position as per the orders of the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

The PEMRA further said that the Geo license will remain under observation and the channel is directed to strictly follow the watchdog’s laws.

Pemra had forwarded the notification of restoration of Geo News to all its regional offices with strict direction that the country’s cable operators should obey the order of the Supreme Court according to which the position of Geo News on cable TV network should be the same as was in the second week of April, 2014.