SC issues notices to parties in Altaf case

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Friday issued notices to the parties in a case challenging the ban on the broadcast of MQM chief Altaf Hussain’s speeches and statements.
A two-member bench, comprising Justice Ijaz Afzal Khan and Justice Qazi Faiz Isa, heard the petition filed by Altaf Hussain against the orders of the Lahore High Court (LHC).Asma Jehangir, counsel for Altaf, submitted before the court that the LHC had banned live speeches of Altaf which was against his basic rights and freedom of speech.
She told the court that the order was issued on September 7 and the judge stated that the issue will be resolved if Altaf Hussain apologised for the mistake.She said Altaf had submitted a written apology but the case was still pending.
She further said his client was the leader of a political party and nobody could be deprived of their right to freedom the speeches of MQM chief was a violation of Article 19-A of the Constitution.
Justice Qazi Faez Isa however observed that under Article-19 freedom of expression was also conditional and had legal restrictions.He further said it was the responsibility of every citizen to respect the interest of the state and its sovereignty and avoid giving any comment prejudicial to the state interest.
Justice Aijaz Afzal observed that the ban was for 15 days and was due to expire on September 18 and after that no extension was made.Justice Ijaz Afzal asked if the stay order was affected or not after 15 days.
Meanwhile, the court issued notices to the parties concerned and adjourned the hearing until November 3.Dr Khalid Ranjah, another counsel for Altaf Hussain, informed the court that he had filed a Civil Miscellaneous Application (CMA) in the instant case praying for transferring the case from Lahore to Karachi or Islamabad, as he was receiving threats while sign boards had been removed from his office.
Asma Jehangir informed the court that banners and posters had been displaying against them since they took up the case.Justice Ijaz Afzal, however, observed that cases could not be transferred merely on apprehensions.
He further said provision of security was the responsibility of the government and if someone was giving them threats, the provincial government should give them ample security. He expressed the hope that the government will listen to their request for security.Meanwhile, both the counsel agreed and withdrew their application for transfer of case from Lahore.