Raza Rabbani decries Pemra ban on court coverage

ISLAMABAD: Former Senate Chairman Mian Raza Rabbani condemned Pemra’s notification banning court coverage, and demanded its immediate withdrawal, arguing that it violates the public’s fundamental right to access information.

“It is fetters on journalist’s freedom of speech, as no commentary, opinion or suggestions can be aired,” he said while condemning the notification.

Rabbani said the muzzling of the media and court proceedings is not the solution to the present crisis as it adds to the confusion. The former senator opined that the solution lies in an intra-institutional dialogue and suppressing the situation.

He said Pemra’s notification imposes a blanket ban on the reporting of statements in open court by the various stakeholders in the judicial system.