PML-N leaders’ speeches not banned, clarifies SC

islamabad — While wrapping up a suo motu notice on Tuesday, Chief Justice Saqib Nisar upheld the Lahore High Court’s (LHC) decision to bar TV channels from airing alleged “anti-judiciary speeches” on television in the future, say media reports

The LHC’s decision directly affects PML-N supreme leader Nawaz Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz and other leaders from the party.

Earlier, while taking suo motu notice of the LHC’s decision, the Supreme Court had summoned a record of complaints against the speeches by PML-N leaders filed with the Pemra, Dawn Online reports.

It also summoned the attorney general (AG) of Pakistan as well as advocate generals of all four provinces and LHC registrar.

AG Ashtar Ausaf appeared before the bench and presented the LHC decision. “I want to read out the LHC’s decision in court,” he said.

“You may be the first person to actually read this decision,” the chief justice replied, adding that all media outlets took the LHC’s decision out of context and said that the court had banned speeches by Sharif and Maryam, “which is not the case, where in the verdict does it say that speeches (from the two leaders) have been banned?”

“Maryam Nawaz and Nawaz Sharif can come here and speak for as long as they want,” Justice Nisar said and added, “Is there anyone in this country who would disagree with Article 19 of the 1973 Constitution?”

Article 19 of the 1973 Constitution, while allowing all citizens freedom of speech, also says that the freedom is “subject to any reasonable restrictions imposed by law in the interest of the glory of Islam or the integrity, security or defence of Pakistan or any part thereof, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality, or in relation to contempt of court, or incitement to an offence.”

The chief justice had earlier said that it is very important for the parties in the case to be present. At this the attorney general said that Maryam and Nawaz may not be in the city and, therefore, not available today.

Justice Ijazul Ahsan, however, remarked they have their accountability court hearing today and should be in Islamabad. The PMLN leaders were served notices by the court to appear in person or by counsel. “We are here until 7pm,” the chief justice said.—

Maryam Nawaz and Nawaz Sharif can come here and speak for as long as they want. Is there anyone in this country who would disagree with Article 19 of the 1973 Constitution? Saqib Nisar, Chief Justice of Pakistan