ATC declares Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman proclaimed offender

Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman, editor-in-chief, of GEO and Jang Group is being treated by most people as a Press freedom issue rather than a legitimate accountability case. On Sep 5, 2014, the court declared him ‘wanted’ and ordered the Commissioner Rawalpindi and the DC Islamabad for the forfeiture of his property.

According to various reliable sources, the court had constantly called Mir Shakil but he neither appeared in person nor submitted any kind of reply. The act could easily be considered as the contempt of court and not abiding by the law of Pakistan which is above all.

Keeping in mind the scenario, the Anti-Terrorism Court of Pakistan (ATC) declared him an offender and ordered the confiscation of his property.

Numerous cases are registered against Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman and his media house, Geo/Jang administration, and some other employees for committing blasphemy and for defaming key security institutions of the state.

This is being treated by most people as a press freedom matter rather than a valid accountability case. This is nothing but taking the matters of the court in your own hands and exploiting the power that one gets as the media in a country like Pakistan.