In a noteworthy development, the Lahore High Court, responding to a petition filed by the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and other candidates, has issued directives for providing equal media coverage to all candidates in the upcoming general elections.
Justice Shams Mahmood Mirza, in a detailed 10-page written judgment, emphasized the constitutional right of every citizen, as enshrined in Article 17 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression, including other fundamental rights, to participate in electoral campaigns and present their manifestos.
The written judgment underscored that the fundamental right to freedom of expression, crucial for transparent and fair elections, extends to a free media that plays a pivotal role in disseminating information. The court maintained that without freedom of expression, elections cannot be declared clean and transparent.
Highlighting the importance of a free and transparent electoral process, the judgment emphasized that the foundational right to advertise election campaigns and articulate one’s manifesto is fundamental for the conduct of impartial and just elections.
The Lahore High Court’s decision explicitly endorses the need for unrestricted media coverage, asserting that the absence of freedom of expression would impede the conduct of clean and transparent elections.
Importantly, the written judgment refers to the decisions concerning Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto, shedding light on precedents that have shaped the legal landscape related to electoral matters.
It is noteworthy that the founder of PTI had challenged the lack of coverage on TV channels, raising concerns about unequal media access. The Lahore High Court’s directive not only addresses the immediate concerns of the petitioner but also sets a precedent for upholding the principles of fairness and equal opportunity in media coverage for all candidates.
This ruling reinforces the democratic values enshrined in the constitution, ensuring that the electoral process remains transparent, fair, and accessible to all political contenders, fostering a level playing field for candidates in the upcoming general elections.
