ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court handed a victory to senior journalist Asma Shirazi on Monday in a defamation case against ARY News, ordering the channel to pay damages.
Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani authored the judgment, instructing ARY News to broadcast a public apology to Asma Shirazi on television. Additionally, the court granted Shirazi the option to pursue further damages through legal channels.
The case originated from Shirazi’s complaint against ARY News for using her photo alongside a headline that read, “Suo Motu action regarding highhandedness of journalists by FIA…”
The journalist initially approached the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) regarding the perceived criticism she faced due to the implication in the headline that the Federal Investigation Agency was taking action against her. However, PEMRA dismissed the complaint, prompting Shirazi to file an appeal in the Islamabad High Court, where she was represented by Nighat Dad and Irum Shujah.
Justice Kayani’s decision emphasized the constitutional right to freedom of speech and expression but cautioned against presenting news in a manner that subjects individuals to unjust criticism and media trials.
In response to the verdict, Shirazi expressed her emotions and restored faith in the justice system. She described the decision as a landmark not only for herself but for all journalists who face intimidation and harassment online and in mainstream media.
Islamabad Court Issues Non-Bailable Arrest Warrants for Malik Riaz, Zulfi Bukhari, and Others in Al-Qadir Trust Case
In another development, an Islamabad accountability court issued non-bailable arrest warrants for property tycoon Malik Riaz, former special assistants to the premier Mirza Shahzad Akbar and Zulfi Bukhari, and three others in connection with the Al-Qadir Trust case.
Farhat Shahzadi, a close friend of the spouse of ex-premier Imran Khan, lawyer Ziaul Mustafa Nasim, and Riaz’s son Ali Ahmed Riaz also faced similar warrants. Last week, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) filed a reference against Imran and seven others, including his wife Bushra Bibi, related to the Al-Qadir Trust case.
The case alleges that Imran and Bushra Bibi obtained billions of rupees and land from Bahria Town Ltd for legalizing Rs50 billion returned to the country by the UK during the previous PTI government.
The NAB reference claims that Imran, currently in jail, played a pivotal role in the illicit transfer of funds meant for the state into an account designated for the payment of land by Bahria Town, Karachi. Despite multiple opportunities, the accused deliberately refused to provide information, according to the reference.
In a written order issued today, Islamabad Accountability Judge Muhammad Bashir noted that Imran was already in judicial lockup for another case—the cipher case. The judge directed a notice to be issued to the Adiala jail superintendent to produce Imran at the next hearing on December 6.
