MQM-Pakistan ends legal battle to win founder's freedom of expression

KARACHI/LONDON: Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan and London have distanced themselves from a case against their founder in the Lahore High Court.

After August 22, neither of the two factions has contacted their attorney and renowned rights activist Asma Jahangir pertaining to the case.

"I have not been contacted by any figure from MQM Pakistan or London," Asma confirmed to Geo News, adding that she had completed her arguments in court.

Sources within MQM Pakistan informed Geo News that there is no reason for pursuing the petition in the LHC, as they were already disconnected with party's London chapter.

They, however, have conveyed this to Advocate Asma Jahangir that MQM Pakistan is no longer pursuing the case.

On the other hand, MQM London has not issued any statement demanding lifting of a ban on their leader’s freedom of expression.

Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on September 7, 2015, had imposed a ban on airing MQM founder's pictures, statements and speeches (both live and recorded) on all TV channels.

The decision was made on the orders of the Lahore High Court with regard to petitions filed seeking proceedings against the MQM chief under Article 6 of the Constitution.