How TV licence be used without security clearance, asks SHC

KARACHI: Giving last opportunity to the Bol’s lawyer to appear before the court on Feb 21, the Sindh High Court bench said the court has already given adjournments thrice and cannot go on to indefinitely give adjournments. A two-member bench headed by Sindh High Court Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi was hearing Pemra’s petition over interim order against the cancellation of licence. The Pemra was represented by Advocate Zahid Ibrahim, while Advocate Imdad appeared for the Bol News (Labaik TV). Arguing on the issue of security clearance, Bol’s lawyer Advocate Imadad said the case is still pending. Justice Aqeel Ahmed , said the issue of security clearance must have been decided by the Ministry of Interior. He asked Advocate Imadad how can a channel operate without security clearance. He said your client did not have the security clearance, leaving Pemra with no other option but to cancel the licence. The Pemra lawyer while pleading withdrawal of court’s interim order, said the Pemra was not heard prior to issuing the interim orders. Justice Aqeel Ahmed said in the first instance the denial of security clearance by the interior ministry should be challenged. Bol’s lawyer sought adjournment on the grounds that Advocate Anwar Mansoor Khan was busy in the Supreme Court.