Contempt of court-IHC issues notice over ridicule of Valentine’s Day verdict

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) issued show-cause notices to GEO TV over the content of its show ‘Report Card’, as well as its anchor and analysts. Contempt of court case has been filed after the show “Report Card” on GEO TV ridiculed a ruling over a ban on celebrating Valentine’s Day.

The court has directed the district administration of Islamabad to take strong action against the airing of such content within the city in the future. The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) was also directed to block the broadcasting of any show with relevance to Valentine’s Day.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has produced a summons to the program anchor and all analysts, which included established names such as Hassan Nisar, and asked PEMRA to run the episode at the next hearing. GEO Network’s Chief Executive Officer Mir Ibrahim Rahman has also been notified.

Media houses must be careful in engaging with strong and established national institutions such as the judiciary. The judiciary must be applauded for taking notice of any contempt and leaving no room for error. These strong actions set a valuable precedent for the future by ensuring that any content intended to ridicule the nation’s institutions will be effectively dealt with by the concerned authorities.