Although the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) had banned TV channels from discussing the reference filed against Justice Faez Isa, all the TV channels gave live coverage to a group of lawyers who were targeting the honourable Supreme Court judge.
But this situation could not remain unnoticed on social media.
And this special coverage came after the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) announced the decision to hold a nationwide strike on June 14 to protest the presidential reference filed against Justice Faez Isa.
On May 30, the Pakistan Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) had directed TV channels and newspapers not to opine on the references filed against judges of the Sindh High Court (SHC) and the Supreme Court (SC).
“Any information regarding the matter which is sub judice may be aired but only to the extent that it is to provide information to the public which is objective in nature and not subjective, no content, including commentary, opinions or suggestions of the potential fate of such sub judice matter, which tends to prejudice the determination by a court, tribunal etc shall be aired,” read the notification.
A day later, the regulatory body served show-cause notices to 14 news channels for failing to act upon its advisory to avoid commenting on the references filed in the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) against the senior judges.
However, the restrictions imposed by PEMRA were condemned by different quarters including the journalists.
In this regard, the PUFJ, while demanding immediate withdrawal of the advisory issued by PEMRA on May 30, said imposition of curbs on media should be avoided to ensure freedom of expression and speech.
But this situation could not remain unnoticed on social media.
And this special coverage came after the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) announced the decision to hold a nationwide strike on June 14 to protest the presidential reference filed against Justice Faez Isa.
On May 30, the Pakistan Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) had directed TV channels and newspapers not to opine on the references filed against judges of the Sindh High Court (SHC) and the Supreme Court (SC).
“Any information regarding the matter which is sub judice may be aired but only to the extent that it is to provide information to the public which is objective in nature and not subjective, no content, including commentary, opinions or suggestions of the potential fate of such sub judice matter, which tends to prejudice the determination by a court, tribunal etc shall be aired,” read the notification.
A day later, the regulatory body served show-cause notices to 14 news channels for failing to act upon its advisory to avoid commenting on the references filed in the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) against the senior judges.
However, the restrictions imposed by PEMRA were condemned by different quarters including the journalists.
In this regard, the PUFJ, while demanding immediate withdrawal of the advisory issued by PEMRA on May 30, said imposition of curbs on media should be avoided to ensure freedom of expression and speech.