The Supreme Court of Pakistan issued contempt notices to 34 TV channels for airing ‘anti-judiciary press conferences’ by Senator Faisal Vawda and MQM-P leader Mustafa Kamal.
A three-member bench, led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, heard the contempt case against Kamal and Vawda on Wednesday. In May, both politicians held press conferences criticizing the judiciary. Vawda emphasized the need for evidence before making allegations, while Kamal called for ethical standards for judges.
The court issued show-cause notices to both leaders and directed Pemra to submit video recordings and transcripts of their press conferences.
During the hearing, Barrister Farogh Naseem, representing Kamal, requested acceptance of his client’s unconditional apology, explaining that Kamal referred to pending usury cases. CJP Isa inquired if those cases were before the Federal Shariat Court and expressed dismay at the abusive language used.
CJP Isa clarified that the notice was about criticism against the judiciary, not personal criticism. Justice Saadat noted Vawda’s explicit targeting of specific judges. CJP Isa criticized media channels for broadcasting obscene language and questioned Pemra’s ban on reporting court proceedings.
The court issued notices to 34 TV channels and instructed them to respond within two weeks, also requesting Pemra’s response on the reporting ban.
The SC rejected Kamal’s apology and urged his counsel to hold a press conference expressing remorse. The bench accepted Vawda’s counsel’s request to reconsider his reply, adjourning the case until June 28.
Vawda requested the court withdraw the contempt notice, noting other politicians had made similar remarks without facing consequences. He emphasized his respect for the judiciary and pleaded for the withdrawal of the show-cause notice.
