Justice Amir Farooq heard the case in the Islamabad High Court regarding the publication of anti-judicial advertisements. Mir Shakeel-ur-Rehman, owner of Jang Group and Amir Ghauri, editor of The News appeared in the Islamabad High Court.
The court asked Aamir Ghauri’s lawyer what was the procedure for printing the advertisement and submitted the documents.
Amir Ghauri submitted the affidavit in the court while the court ordered Mir Shakeel-ur-Rehman, the owner of Jang Group, to submit the affidavit.
The court also ordered to produce all the documents related to the publication of the advertisement. Justice Amir Farooq remarked that submit the documents as to how you got the advertisement.
Amir Ghauri’s lawyer Amir Abdullah replied that we have also given an explanation along with the affidavit, we have apologized for publishing the advertisement.
The lawyer argued that our agency was investigating the matter itself.
Justice Amir Fariq inquired that by printing the advertisement, he had conducted the trial himself. The purpose of printing the advertisement was to put pressure on the judiciary.
He said that not deciding on advertisements is a wrong tradition. He also asked who owns the advertising agency. The editor and publisher are also responsible for printing the advertisement.
He inquired that no one can be held responsible for the advertisement, what is the procedure for printing the advertisement, submit documents.
Lawyer Ansar Mahmood argued that the material was also aired on Geo News’ morning show.
Former PFUJ President Afzal Butt said that this is the first case of its kind where someone has given this material through advertisement.
The court remarked that it was a very serious matter to charge a respected judge who is conducting the trial. If there was any evidence of bribery, it would have been presented in the relevant forum.
Justice Amir Farooq remarked that transparent trial is everyone’s right.
Lawyer Ansar Mahmood argued that the advertisement appeared on a TV program on May 24.
The court inquired whether Barrister Fahad Malik had been killed by anyone.
The court adjourned further hearing of the case till June 13.
It may be recalled that the Islamabad High Court on May 25 issued notice to the English daily The News for publishing anti-judicial advertisement for two days in a row. Had ordered
Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Athar Minallah heard the case and expressed outrage over the publication of anti-judicial advertisement.
Editor The News Amir Ghauri appeared in the court of Chief Justice Athar Minallah. The court had told him that the advertisements he had published were not journalistic reporting