KARACHI, Aug 29: The Sindh High Court on Monday suspended government a notification banning the weekly ‘Friday Special’ and issued notice to the Sindh government and the DCO Karachi for Sept 12.

The magazine’s publication was banned by the Sindh government on Aug 15, accusing it of publishing “hate-material”.

Publisher Shahid Hashmi seeks abrogation of the Sindh government notification, terming it unwarranted and base-less.

His counsel Junaid Farooqui and Obaid Hamza Khan contended that the notification was illegal and against the principles of natural justice as authorities of the magazine were not given any opportunity to rebut the charges, levelled by the respondents.

They said the cancellation of magazine was unjust, unfair and biased as neither legal formalities for the said process were fulfilled, nor inquiry was conducted.

Besides, the notification was issued in contrary of Press, Newspaper, News Agencies and Book Registration Ordinance, 2002, which is liable to be struck down, they added.

The court was prayed to set aside the cancellation notification and the declaration of magazine be restored and during proceeding of appeal, the notification may be suspended.

SHC’s single bench, comprising Justice Mohammad Afzal Soomro, after preliminary hearing of the appeal suspended the government notification and issued notice to respondents for their comments.—PPI