ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court has sought replies from a private TV channel owner and two TV anchorpersons by July 25 in response to a petition. The petitioner had urged the apex court to initiate contempt proceedings against them over an allegedly planted interview of business tycoon Malik Riaz broadcast on June 13.

On the last date of hearing, the court issued notices to Malik Riaz, Mian Aamir Mahmood, Chief Executive of the TV channel, anchors Mubashir Lucman and Mehr Bukhari and the PEMRA chairman

A two-member bench of Justice Ejaz Afzal and Justice Muhammad Athar Saeed is hearing a petition filed by Liqat Ali Qureshi, President Lawyers Writers Forum. The petitioner had made Malik Riaz, Chairman PEMRA, Dunya News Television through its Chief Executive Mian Aamir, Mubashir Luqman and Mehr Bukhari anchorpersons respondents in the case.

The petitioner urged the court to prosecute all the five respondents under the Contempt of Court Law. Exempting Mehr Bukhari from making personal appearance before the court on the next date of hearing, the court, however, asked her to submit her reply by July 25.

Shahid Hamid, the counsel for Dunya TV Chief, submitted that the editorial policy of his client was to uphold the dignity and independence of judiciary. Mubashir Luqman appeared before the court with his counsel. He also sought time to submit his reply.

Dr Basit, the counsel for Malik Riaz, also sought exemption for his client to appear before the court. The court, however, told him that Riaz was not facing any problem. Therefore, he was required to appear before the court.

Meanwhile, the court directed the respondents to submit their replies by July 25. Hafiz S A Rehman, the counsel for PEMRA, also appeared before the court and submitted a reply on behalf of PEMRA. In the reply, it was submitted that as per complaints made with PEMRA by one Syed Feroza Rubab, advocate High Court, against eight TV channels, the PEMRA issued notices to all the respondents under Section 26 of PEMRA Ordinance. The bench adjourned the hearing of case till July 25. (Online)