ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) has remarked it is essential for good legislation that consultation should be made with all stake holders.

The case on protection of rights of the journalists came up for hearing before a single bench of IHC led by Chief Justice Aamir Farooq here Friday.

Umar Ijaz Gillani counsel for Journalists Association appeared in the court.

Additional Attorney General (AAG) told the court chairman ITN was called some weeks before but he is not present.

The court remarked this is job of law ministry. You have to get work done from them. Have you shared this draft with law ministry. Chairman ITNE has sent you a thing. You have to see the next work. If work is underway on it then its pace should be accelerated. Then election will come. New government will come and the work will linger on.

The court remarked I am hearing this case of former chief justice. Do you want that next chief justice should hear this case after me.

The counsel for PBA told the court PBA wants to become party in this case.

The court remarked tell us this that its own job is not being done by PEMRA and you want to get this job done by it too. I can understand your pressure is on the ministry that this work should not be done. Cases ranging between 100000 and 150000 in respect of newspapers employees come to us. The consultation with those employees who are real stake holders is must.

The counsel Umar Ijaz Gillani advocate told the court PEMRA draft copy should be shared with them.

The court directed to share draft copy of PEMRA with respondents.

The court remarked this case was being heard by the previous chief justice. Now you want some one else should hear it after me. I don’t understand why any one is not ready to take the responsibility now. Nothing happens if work is stopped. But loss is caused only. This does not happen that the courts take all decisions hundred percent correct.

Counsel for PBA told the court this matter runs in the jurisdiction of PEMRA.

The court remarked PEMRA does not do its own work. I don’t know why such situation prevails in media industry. There can not be any bigger example of media exploitation than this. Pressure of your client is on ministry of information too that it should not be done this way. Let it go if this matter is going for legislation.

The counsel for PBA said exploitation of working journalists cannot be denied. PBA has raised objection over proposed amendments. If relief is not provided from PEMRA then the matters finally comes to court.

The court remarked consultation should be made with all the stake holders of media for legislation. This case is running since 2021. I cannot understand why this is being delayed. If legislation is not enacted now then the matter will linger on for one year more. Owners are too stake holders because directions for making payments will be sent to them. What work you have to get done you get it done within 24 hours.

Afzal Butt president PFUJ told the court media workers of Pakistan are waiting for fresh whiff of air. PEMRA has said if the salary payment is not made then council of complaints can be approached. A full service structure is needed here.

The court remarked it is essential for good legislation that consultation should be made with all the stake holders.

Afzal Butt told the court there is concept of members and tribunals with chairman ITNE which should be implemented.

The court remarked the proposals in this regard have been sent to ministry of information. We ask from them why these have not been implemented.

Information secretary told the court there is matter of finance.

The court remarked then you should write to finance people and tell.

The court while accepting PBA plea for becoming respondent adjourned the hearing of the case till March 03.