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Ban on airing Nawaz speeches: IHC CJ says can’t provide relief to fugitive

Ban on airing Nawaz speeches: IHC CJ says can’t provide relief to fugitive
November 19, 2020

The IHC declined to provide any relief to Nawaz Sharif who has been declared a proclaimed offender in a number of graft cases.

Justice Athar Minallah stated in clear terms that this court couldn’t extend relief to any fugitive from justice. “We can’t give relief on the plea even if the Pemra’s notification [regarding the ban] was illegal,” he remarked, recalling the court didn’t provide any relief to former military dictator Pervez Musharraf when he was an absconder.

The top Islamabad judge noted the notification was issued under Section 31 of Pemra Ordinance. "A relevant forum can be approached for redressal of grievance if any channel or individual has been affected by the ban," he suggested.

Justice Minallah said the former prime minister’s CNIC and passport had been blocked. If the plea is granted, all absconders will be entitled to such relief, he pointed out to the petitioners. The hearing was adjourned until December 16.