'Can't provide relief to fugitive': IHC on plea against ban on airing Nawaz speeches

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) declined on Thursday to provide any relief to former prime minister Nawaz Sharif who has been declared a proclaimed offender in a number of graft cases.

Hearing a petition filed by renowned journalists and anchorpersons against the Pemra’s ban on the broadcast of speeches and interviews by proclaimed offenders and absconders, IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah stated in clear terms that this court couldn’t extend relief to any fugitive from justice.

Also Read: PEMRA bans broadcast of speeches by proclaimed offenders, absconders  

“We can’t give relief on the plea even if the Pemra’s notification [regarding the ban] was illegal,” he remarked, recalling the court didn’t provide any relief to former military dictator Pervez Musharraf when he was an absconder.

The top Islamabad judge noted the notification was issued under Section 31 of Pemra Ordinance. A relevant forum can be approached for redressal of grievance if any channel or individual has been affected by the ban, he suggested.

Also Read: IHC dismisses petition seeking ban on Nawaz’s speeches

Justice Minallah said the former prime minister’s CNIC and passport had been blocked. If the plea is granted, all absconders will be entitled to such relief, he pointed out to the petitioners.

The hearing was adjourned until December 16.