LHC imposes ban on airing Altaf’s speeches

LAHORE: A full bench of the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday imposed a ban on airing anti-state speeches of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Altaf Hussain.
The bench directed the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) to ensure strict implementation of the orders.
The bench sought reports from secretary interior, secretary Cabinet Division and other respondents besides seeking the record of Altaf’s speeches and his nationalities by September 7.
The bench summoned additional attorney general and Punjab advocate general on the next date of hearing.
The bench comprising Justice Syed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, Justice Mazhar Iqbal Sidhu and Justice Erum Sajad Gull passed the orders while hearing three identical petitions filed by Malik Maqsood Ahmad Awan, Aftab Ahmad Virk and Abdullah Malik for proceedings against Altaf Hussain under Article 6 of the Constitution.
The petitioners through their petitions submitted that Altaf Hussain’s speeches were tantamount to treason as these were not only anti-Pakistan but also anti-armed forces.
They pleaded the court to issue directions to initiate proceedings against Altaf Hussain under Article 6 of the Constitution.
They also pleaded for proceedings against the MQM Rabta Committee members and parliamentarians under Article 62 and 63 of the Constitution.