Amir Liaquat barred from appearing on TV

ISLAMABAD – The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday stopped renowned televangelist Aamir Liaquat Hussain from appearing on television till further notice.

IHC judge Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui issued the interim orders while hearing a petition filed by citizen Muhammad Abbas against the televangelist seeking a ban on him for allegedly spreading hatred.

Counsel for the petitioner, Barrister Shoaib Razaq, argued that the televangelist did not have any degree or certificate in Islamic education and called himself an aalim (religious scholar).

The lawyer argued that Liaquat used his show – Aalim Online – to create social and religious division in the society. He added that the TV host also put lives of many people in danger by issuing fatwas on kufr against them.

Razaq said that Liaquat repeatedly violated the code of conduct of the Pakistan Electronic Media Authority (Pemra), but the authority did not take action against him.

He asked the court to impose a ban on Liaquat barring him from using television and social media or using print media to spread the hatred.

The judge has also issued notices to the federal government, Pemra, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority and Amir Liaquat in the case. The court has adjourned the case till January 10, 2018.