The Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND) has called upon the Islamabad High Court to take back charges framed against three journalists associated with the Jang Group — Editor in Chief Mir Shakil-ur-Rehman, Editor Investigation Ansar Abbasi and Resident Editor Aamir Ghouri for reporting on an affidavit signed by ex-chief judge of Gilgit-Baltistan Rana Shamim.
An order of the Islamabad High Court stated that the three journalists prima facie committed criminal contempt by reporting on the matter.
“The court is satisfied that the acts of the alleged contemnors, prima facie, constitute committing criminal contempt and, therefore, proceeded under the Ordinance of 2003 by framing of charge,” the 12-page written order of the hearing, held on December 28, said.
The court summoned Rana Shamim, and others on January 7 for indictment in the case.
AEMEND, in its statement, said that the contempt charge levelled by the court is "worrying since the journalists merely reported an affidavit which exists and has been verified".
"The order would have repercussions on press freedom and the freedom of expression of journalists in Pakistan, which already has a bad repute in this regard according to the RSF Global Press Freedom Index Report of 2021," the statement added.
The association said that such reporting by journalists is "justified and legitimate", since there was no ill intent involved in reporting "such proven news".
"For the sake of the welfare of freedom of speech and people's right to know, the journalists are on the right for reporting such valid and genuine stories," the statement stressed.
"We strongly and fairly believe that indicting the respective media persons for merely practising their journalistic and rightful duties towards the people of Pakistan is unjustified and we appeal to the respected judges of the Islamabad High Court to drop all charges of contempt against the media persons," it pleaded.
USCIRF report calls for designating Pakistan as 'country of particular concern' citing rights violations
Army chief says plotters of May 9 protests were “brazenly and shamelessly trying to twist narrative"
Marwat tried to spoil Imran Khan’s personal relations with Saudi Arabia, says Omar Ayub
“My mother has been arrested on the directives of Khawaja Asif,” alleges her son Umar Dar
PM laments delay in legal proceedings and sentencing of accused allegedly involved in attacks, vandalism
"The acts were a futile attempt to bring about a misplaced and shortsighted revolution in the country," says ISPR