PML-N challenges Shahbaz-Qayyum video in LHC
PPP also decides to head for a showdown with PML-N to prove veracity of its advertisement.
ISLAMABAD (Online): The Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) failure to take action against an alleged fake natured advertisement against PML-N, has compelled N League to refer the matter to the Lahore High Court (LHC).
The LHC has taken immediate notice of the issue and ordered stopping of the ‘controversial’ advertisement, besides summoning PEMRA and ECP within 24-hours to clarify their position.
The volatile advertisement, being taken as sheer violation of media code of conduct outlined by the ECP, after being aired as “paid content”, showcases a telephonic conversation between Justice (Retd) Qayyum Malik and Mian Shahbaz Sharif in a possibly shadowy deal of political and corruption matter.
The petition filed by PML-N’s Ishaq Dar has accused TV channels of refusing to abide by ECP‘s code of conduct for media.
The alleged talks between Malik Qayyum and Mian Shahbaz Sharif is said to have been recorded by intelligence agencies during Benazir Bhutto’s regime, due to which Malik Qayyum and one judge had to wash their hands of their positions.
Meanwhile, PPP has also decided to head for a showdown with PML-N to prove veracity of its advertisement and according to latest position also intends to file its petition challenging the formation of a Bench to review the petition filed by PML-N; as this Bench allegedly has a close relative of Malik Qayyum.
The PPP also intends to highlight the veracity of the video content, over the recording being already used as a proof in previous (90s) court hearing(s), and the airing of this recording was in no way a violation of ECP’s code of conduct.
