A five-member bench headed by Justice Mazahir Ali Akbar Naqvi conducted the hearing of the case on Friday, during which the court granted an exemption to CEO ARY News, Salman Iqbal from appearing in person.
The counsel of ARY News, Dr Abdul Basit in his arguments said that he has filed a petition against the full bench of the court and requested the court to stop the hearing.
At which the court said it will listen to everyone’s stance and then a verdict based on justice will be given.
Dr Abdul Basit took the stance that it is the duty of the journalists to show the misdeeds of individuals from all walks of society, including the ones from judiciary.
At this, the LHC expressed extreme displeasure and apart from issuing a contempt notice to the counsel, suspended his license to practice law.
The court while addressing senior anchorperson, Mubashir Lucman said, “If ten different lists of inadequate individuals of the society are prepared, your name will fall in each list”.
Moreover, the legal fraternity raised serious concerns over inappropriate behavior of the honorable court towards ARY News counsel, Dr Abdul Basit.
