Islamabad High Court bars Amir Liaquat from appearing on TV till further notice

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday barred televangelist and TV host Amir Liaquat Hussain from making any television appearances till further notice.

IHC judge Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui, while hearing a petition filed by citizen Muhammad Abbas, okay-ed the interim measure while he hears arguments to permanently bar Liaquat from using television, social media and print media on allegations he has abused his influence to spread discord and hatred.

The petitioner's lawyer, Barrister Shoaib Razaq, argued in court that Liaquat does not have any Islamic degree or certification and yet calls himself an aalim (religious scholar) — a title he seems to have appropriated by hosting television show Aalim Online.

"Liaquat used that show for a number of years to create social and religious divide in the country," the petitioner alleged, adding that the televangelist has handed out fatwas (religious edicts) on kufr (cardinal sin) and treason which have put the lives of a number of people in danger.

The petitioner's counsel also pointed out that the TV show host had repeatedly violated the Pakistan Electronic Media Authority's (Pemra) code of conduct.

The petitioner also accused Pemra of failing to do its job and urged the court to ban the televangelist from appearing on television and social media or using print media to spread his views.

Justice Siddiqui subsequently ordered the federal government, Pemra, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority and Amir Liaquat to file their responses.

The case was adjourned till January 10, 2018.