In a startling revelation before the Supreme Court, three out of six pro bono litigants involved in a petition seeking media regulation disclosed that their names were misused, disavowing any consent to file the case. The three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, noted discrepancies in signatures on power of attorney documents submitted by now deceased advocate Ahmed Nawaz Chaudhry, leading to a show-cause notice issued to one petitioner for contempt of court.
The litigants, summoned after attempting to withdraw the petition, vehemently denied involvement. Raja Sher Bilal, Prof Abrar Ahmed, and Advocate Mohammad Asif clarified their non-participation, casting doubt on the authenticity of the filing. The petition, aiming for a government-mandated code of conduct to curb defamation, sparked confusion as individuals disassociated themselves from the legal action.
Further complications arose as former IG Syed Ibn Hussain and Hassan Mehmood faced show-cause notices for their alleged roles. The court also sought clarification from Advocate Kosain Faisal. Amidst the unfolding drama, questions arose about the motivations behind the petition’s filing, with the late Ahmed Nawaz’s successor, Syed Rafaqat Ali Shah, shedding light on the involvement of Advocate Haider Waheed.
CJP Isa expressed concern over the frivolous nature of the petition and criticized the lack of investigation into its origins. The involvement of litigants from Chakwal, contrasted with the filing attorney residing in Karachi, added to the perplexity surrounding the case. The CJP emphasized the need for transparency, highlighting the potential for manipulation within the legal system.
Former Pemra chairman Absar Alam pressed Haider Waheed for clarity regarding the financing of the petition, raising suspicions about vested interests. As the court grappled with unraveling the mystery, attention also turned to ongoing cases involving journalists Matiullah Jan, Absar Alam, and Asad Ali Toor, with Islamabad IG Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi pledging a thorough investigation to address concerns over journalistic freedom.
