KARACHI: A division bench of High Court of Sindh (SHC) comprising Chief Justice Sajjad Ali Shah and Justice Mahmood A Khan on Thursday reserved orders in a petition challenging a ban on screening of a social art film Malik.
The bench earlier heard Barrister Farogh A Naseem advocate who represented petitioner Ashir Azeem, producer and director of the film. The counsel for petitioner citing a number of cases said after passing of 18th amendment, federal government and its federal censor board has no role in respect of any film. It is now in provincial domain, he submitted adding that all the four provincial governments have allowed screening of the film but only few in the federal government are opposed to the showing as it is against the tax evaders and financially corrupt politicians, counsel submitted.
Salman Talibuddin, Deputy Attorney General (DAG) Pakistan representing the federal government said that film contains anti state contents and besides maligns both the politicians as well as judiciary.
The bench rejected the contentions and said many TV anchors and programme show more contemptuous material on electronic media but no action was ever taken.
The bench asked the DAG to be ready for challenging the judgment of this court before the apex court.
DAG in view of tentative observation by the bench said that in case verdict is going to be against the government, at-least 15 days time be given so that respondent could approach apex court.