The Supreme Court of Pakistan.—AFP Photo

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Monday directed a petitioner to submit till November 6 the relevant record about role of media specially the electronic media in coverage of significant events related to national security and sovereignty.

A two-judge bench headed by Chief justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry issued the directive on a constitutional petition moved by Sardar Muhammad Ghazi, former Attorney General for Pakistan.

The petitioner contended that the electronic media was playing irresponsible role while covering the events like Abbottabad raid by CIA.

In his petition, he questioned the logic behind a criticism of national institution by the electronic media.

He said that according to constitution and terms and conditions of TV licenses, the electronic TV channels could not air such events without credibility.

He also submitted nine CDs of TV programmes over May 2 incident etc. and argued that TV channels were barred from airing contemptuous material against judiciary and armed forces.

Ghazi also complained that Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority also failed to take notice of the contents of such programmes.

After hearing his initial arguments, the bench observed that they would proceed after going through the relevant record.

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