ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Thursday resolved the contempt proceedings against 34 television channels by accepting their unqualified apologies. The channels had committed to broadcasting their apologies during prime time and airing six paragraphs from the court’s June 28 order that issued show-cause notices.
The court proceedings were attended by owners and senior executives of the media houses, with 26 executives represented by Faisal Siddiqui. The case, overseen by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa and a four-judge bench, was initiated in response to the airing of inflammatory remarks by Senator Faisal Vawda and MNA Mustafa Kamal about the judiciary.
On June 28, the court had discharged contempt notices against both lawmakers after accepting their apologies. However, on Thursday, the court expressed dissatisfaction over the repeated broadcasting of the lawmakers’ damaging statements while the subsequent apologies were not given similar prominence.
The court noted that the TV channels had assured they would not repeat such actions and would adhere to their commitment. Additional Attorney General Chaudhry Aamir Rehman referenced the 1996 Khalid Masood case, highlighting the court’s tradition of forgiving contemnors who offer unconditional apologies.
Pakistan Broadcasting Association Chairman Shakeel Masood Hussain discussed the self-accountability mechanisms in place at media outlets, while Faisal Siddiqui promised improvements in news reporting standards.
CJP Isa expressed concern about the current media landscape, lamenting the perpetuation of hatred and sensationalism in society. He urged the media to follow ethical standards and focus on truthfulness, criticizing the trend of competing with unchecked social media and the rise of arrogance. CJP Isa emphasized the media’s role as the fourth pillar of the state in maintaining checks and balances.
