Freedom of the Press is dear to us, but there should be no mud-slinging on anyone: Justice Ijaz

ISLAMABAD: Editor in-chief of Jang Group Mir Shakil-ur-Rehman, Printer Publisher Mir Javed Rehman and The News reporter Ahmad Noorani on Tuesday appeared before the Supreme Court in a contempt of court case.

A three-member bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Ejaz Afzal, heard the case. On the occasion, Justice Azmat said everyone holds the freedom of the press in high regard, however, when limits are crossed, we summon individuals to express reservations.

"Our doors are open, what we say should also be followed at times," he said.

Jang Group's Editor-in-Chief responded that “It was said that these stories were published and on whose directives were they published. This accusation hurt the sentiments of my editorial board,” before adding, “I regret if an untrue story was published. But I say here with all due respect, that if my staff asks me on whose behest I am publishing these stories, then I would ask them at whose behest are you asking the question. I cannot ask the same question in court.”

Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan said, a story, based on sources was published, which stated that the court will announce a certain verdict. It was published in a manner as if it was a court order.

"We agree with the fact that your basic rights should not be harmed,” said Justice Azmat Saeed Sheikh.

Justice Ejaz Afzal said, "We are not arguing with you, but your paper deliberately published such news articles. You will be given the full opportunity to explain."

"The story published in your paper on results of the JIT report was proven wrong and you had to issue an apology for it,” said Justice Azmat Saeed Sheikh.

Mir Shakil-ur-Rehman stated that his organisation voluntarily tendered an apology, even though it was not directed by the court to do so. "It pained me, that one of our stories turned out to be wrong."

Justice Azmat Saeed said reporting regarding the Lahore High Court was also incorrect, to which the Editor-in-Chief of Jang Group said whenever a mistake is made while reporting, an apology should be issued. 

"When we demonstrate patience, it is because we all hold the freedom of the Press in high regards. I have written in my judgments that even if there's unnecessary criticism, it should be tolerated, but when things go beyond limits, we summon individuals to express our reservations. Our doors are open, what we say should also be followed at times,” said Justice Azmat.

"Your remarks are not found in the order sheets,” replied Mir Shakil-ur-Rehman.

At this, Justice Azmat Saeed said, "If you say, we will add our remarks to the order. Are you insisting upon this; it will create problems".

"It is your right,” replied Mir Shakil-ur-Rehman.

Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan said, "You have been served a notice, which will encompass everything. Freedom of the Press is dear to us, but there should no be mud-slinging on anyone".

Mir Shakil-ur-Rehman responded saying that he agreed with the honourable judges.

The editor in-chief said, "The court sought the three-month record of advertisements, which has not yet been provided by the government. Jang Group should be allowed to present these details before the court. Not just for three months, rather details should be sought of the ongoing tenure, previous tenure and the one before that”.

"The paper or channel with significant readership or viewership in the market receives more advertisements. Jang Group, including Geo, get the maximum number of advertisements from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a province with Imran Khan's government," he said.

Justice Ejaz Afzal said the matter of advertisements was not part of the court's proceedings.

"Whatever reply you want to submit should be submitted by August 22" he added.

Also Read: Editor-in-Chief Mir Shakil-ur-Rehman's media talk outside SC