Court has to look how much freedom media should have: IHC

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Monday stressed to devise a code of conduct for media while hearing the contempt of court case.

IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah took up the hearing of contempt of court case. Chairman Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra), Geo News senior anchorperson Hamid Mir and many other anchors and representatives of the PBA were present in the court. During hearing, Justice Athar Minallah remarked that a ticker on the media could create an impression about a person that he is corrupt.

He observed that media houses are privately owned and court will have to look that how much freedom media should have, adding that they will also have to also see whether media trial comes under the freedom of speech.

He said that media only highlights only case aboutpoliticians and elite class, adding that why media skips difficulties faced by common inmates. He made it clear that the court will hear case of a common prisoner in the same manner it heard the case of Nawaz Sharif.

He further remarked that the freedom of media is also important and the court has to take decision over the matter. “Cooperation of learned anchorpersons over the issue is needed,” he added.

Justice Athar Minallah remarked that code of conduct of Pemra is not sufficient. “If you have to say something about us express it, but no analysis or comment is advisable over the cases under the court hearing,” he said.

The court asked Hamid Mir to assist it in devising a plan to stop media trial. Justice Athar Minallah highlighted the need of formulating terms and conditions with regard to the media. Later the court adjourned the hearing of the case until December 18.