Cable operators not authorized to block Geo News after SC order: LHC
July 10, 2014
Justice Ijazul Hassan of LHC was hearing the petition filed by the Independent Newspapers Corporation Limited (INCL) 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), and despite the SC’s order to restore the transmission on previous position.
During the hearing, Deputy Attorney General Riaz Qadeer appeared before the court following the summon and told that PEMRA has issued show-cause notices to the cable operators along with summoning them tomorrow (Friday). He requested the court to wait for the proceedings initiated by PEMRA.
Justice Ijazul Hassan remarked that Geo News was blocked for specific reasons followed by the Supreme Court’s order of restoring the channel. Hence, cable operators enjoy no such right to block the channel’s transmission. He, then, questioned if cable operators are authorized to block any channel out of their own will.
Bureau Chief of Geo News Lahore Khawar Naeem Hashmi told the court that the channel’s transmission has not been restored in 50% areas of Punjab and 80% of Sindh. Government and PEMRA claim that the channel has been restored which is against the reality. He, then, questioned if the cable operators are not governed by the government or any state institution.
Furthermore employees fear that the Jang/Geo group will become victim of some malicious plan and will be shut down, and they don’t expect justice from PEMRA. He also apprised the court that employees will be unable to receive their salaries if the situation remained the same. It’s not only about fellow journalists who are part of the group’s staff but the independence of media is also jeopardized, Khawar Naeem told.
Senior journalist Ameen Hafeez said that the court was well-aware of the tactics employed by the administration and establishment. Responding to this, Justice Ijazul Hassan assured him of provision of justice in case the group is subjected to any injustice.
He, then, inquired from the cable operators if they were facing any pressure to restrict any channel, and if they had the right to air or block any channel.
Justice Ijazul Hassan remarked that once the apex court has ordered to resume Geo News transmission, then the cable operators are not authorised to block it.
Later, the court summoned the response on PEMRA’s proceedings and adjourned the hearing till July 17.
