MQM seeks review of LHC orders banning media coverage of Altaf

LAHORE: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) on Thursday filed a petition in the Lahore High Court on Thursday seeking a review of its earlier orders banning media coverage of MQM chief Altaf Hussain.

The petition, filed through senior lawyer Asma Jahangir and Dr Khalid Ranjha, maintains that Mr Hussain is the leader of major political party and that restrictions on broadcasting or publishing his speeches are contrary to the principles of basic human rights.

The respected court should review its orders, the petitioners plead.

Speaking to the media outside the court, member of the MQM's Rabita Committee Kanwar Naveed Jameel said that restrictions were placed on Altaf Hussain without listening to the MQM's stance. He hoped that the citizens of Sindh and Karachi would also get justice from the courts.

On Sept 7, a three-judge bench of the LHC headed by Justice Syed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi had ordered Pemra to implement a ban on the broadcast, publishing and coverage of images, speeches, statements and activities of MQM chief Altaf Hussain across all electronic and print media outlets for his alleged remarks against the state and its institutions.

The LHC bench was hearing separate petitions arguing that the MQM chief should be tried for treason.