The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued a show-cause notice to ARY News host #ArshadSharif for discussing sub-judice matters on his talk show Power Play.<br /><br />A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar had taken up a suo motu notice regarding the programme's August 28 episode in which an affidavit submitted by former president Asif Ali Zardari regarding his assets was discussed.<br /><br />"Did Zardari submit a false affidavit in the NRO [National Reconciliation Ordinance] case?" was among the questions raised and discussed during the programme.<br /><br />The TV host, who appeared in court along with Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, was taken to task by the CJP for discussing the case during the show.<br /><br />"How can you discuss cases being heard in courts [during your programme]?" Justice Nisar asked, addressing Sharif.<br /><br />He recalled that the top court has also advised the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) against inadvertently or intentionally defaming individuals who are subject to accountability inquiries.<br /><br />"Comments like these [those made in the show] are prejudicial to court proceedings," the CJP remarked, warning Sharif of action against him. He also termed the discussion akin to "interference in court matters".<br /><br />The top judge also questioned whether the TV programme was "sponsored" by anyone, asking: "On whose direction did you conduct the programme?"<br /><br />"This is a straightforward [case of a] media trial," observed Justice Ijazul Ahsan.<br /><br />After hearing all arguments, the court issued a show-cause notice to the ARY News host. Notices were also issued to the attorney general, Pakistan Broadcasters Association and Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra).<br /><br />The bench directed Pemra to present clips of the programme Power Play in court. The hearing of the case was adjourned until September 12.<br />#SupremeCourtOfPakistan #SiddiqueJaan
