Warrants issued for Lucman in Geo defamation case

LAHORE: A local judge in Islamabad ordered issuing bailable warrants for anchorperson Mubasher Lucman and directed him to appear before the court on next hearing.

Additional District and Sessions Judge Syed Faizan Haider Gilani was hearing a case pertaining to defaming Geo/Jang Group through baseless allegations on Thursday. The judge accepted the applications filed by Aqeel Karim Dhedhi and Naeem Hanif as they requested exemption from appearing in person and adjourned further hearing till September 28.

The Independent Media Corporation (Pvt) Ltd through Amir Abdullah Abbasi Advocate has filed a petition against private TV channel ARY and its management over their efforts to defame Geo/Jang Group.

The petition is aimed at seeking action under sections 500 and 501 of Pakistan Penal Code against ARY Chief Executive Salman Iqbal, Islamabad Bureau Chief Sabir Shakir, Lahore Bureau Chief Arif Hameed Bhatti, Lucman, Dhedhi and Naeem.

On the Thursday, Sabir and Bhatti appeared on behalf of ARY, while the TV channel’s counsel told the court that Lucman had left the media house. On this, the court ordered issuing bailable arrest warrants for Lucman.