LHC conditionally restores Mubashir Lucman’s suspended program

Published November 17, 2014
TV anchor Mubahisr Lucman appeared in court and apologised for the defamatory programme against the judiciary.
TV anchor Mubahisr Lucman appeared in court and apologised for the defamatory programme against the judiciary.

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has conditionally allowed anchorperson Mubashir Lucman to appear on air, after Pemra banned him last month for telecasting scandalous and defamatory programmes against the judiciary.

A five-judge LHC bench headed by Justice Syed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi allowed Lucman to continue his programme ‘Khara Such’ after he appeared in court on Monday and apologised for the defamatory show, his lawyer Ramzan Chaudhry said.

“I appeared (in court) with the respondents and pleaded for the mercy of the honourable court. I informed the bench that we will not be contesting the contempt of court notice, that my client had no intention of disrespecting the judiciary. The court was gracious and accepted our apology,” said Chaudhry.

The court has allowed ARY NEWS to air the programme until November 28, the next hearing when the bench will meet for final adjudication of the case.

Pemra had banned ‘Khara Such’ and its host from appearing on any TV program in any capacity on Oct 19 citing orders of the LHC.

The court had placed restrictions on airing of the show and participation of the anchor in any TV programme for airing an interview of Asim Malik, owner of a firm Future Concern, in which serious allegations had been levelled against the judiciary.

Speaking to a local TV channel, Lucman said he respects the judiciary and that he filed a compassionate appeal before the honourable court.

“I am a grateful and I won’t term it a victory or defeat of anyone,” he said.

Opinion

Editorial

Afghan puzzle
Updated 28 May, 2024

Afghan puzzle

Unless these elements are neutralised, it will not be possible to have the upper hand over terrorist groups.
Attacking minorities
28 May, 2024

Attacking minorities

WHILE Pakistan has watched many perish in the cauldron of sacrilege, the state has done little to turn down the...
Persistent scourge
28 May, 2024

Persistent scourge

THE challenge of polio in Pakistan has reached a new nadir, drawing grave concerns from the Technical Advisory Group...
Mercury rising
Updated 27 May, 2024

Mercury rising

Each of the country's leaders is equally responsible for the deep pit Pakistan seems to have fallen into.
Antibiotic overuse
27 May, 2024

Antibiotic overuse

ANTIMICROBIAL resistance is an escalating crisis claiming some 700,000 lives annually in Pakistan. It is the third...
World Cup team
27 May, 2024

World Cup team

PAKISTAN waited until the very end to name their T20 World Cup squad. Even then, there was last-minute drama. Four...