ISLAMABAD: The telecast of Geo News has started to come on line after Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Iftikhar Muhammed Chaudhry ordered the same while hearing petitions against the closure of Geo News and other news channels, Geo News reported Friday.
Geo News was penalized for broadcasting a news story involving Zardari’s shoe-hurling incident and eventually the people were kept deprived of any access to the information for six days.
A SC’s two-judge bench comprising Justice Khalilur Rehman Ramday and headed by Chief Justice Chaudhry, heard the two identical petitions against the closure of Geo News and other news channels.
Prior to interval of Friday prayer, the federal secretaries of Information and Interior and chairman of Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) appeared before the court.
The CJ Chaudhry scolded Chairman Pemra Mushtaq Chaudhry, saying why the licenses of cable operators involved in closing down the telecast, were not cancelled, addressing him, ‘You are violating the Constitution and neglecting your duty.’
The CJ warned if law and order situation breaks down in the country, then its ramifications will go far beyond.
He added cable operators in Patoki would not be held for violating Article-19 and 19-A; instead, the concerned federal secretary would be nabbed.
The Chief Justice elicited written assurance from Pemra chief, saying, ‘If the channels are not restored back on wire, then you would be put behind bars.
After this warning from the higher judiciary, Geo News began to be on air in some areas; however, its telecasts are still not being shown in many places.
