Supreme Court judge Justice Qazi Faez Isa Wednesday raised an objection to the formation of a special bench to hear suo motu notice of the court on giving additional 20 marks to the medical students for being Hafiz, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

While refusing to hear the case in the special bench, Faez Isa questioned: “Where is it mentioned in the Supreme Court rules that a special bench can be formed?”

He also criticised the letter of Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) about not broadcasting the news regarding the conduct of judges.

“Recently, the Pemra has issued a letter regarding the conduct of judges,” he said.

“Everyone is free in Pakistan. One can do whatever comes to one’s heart in Pakistan,” he deplored.

“How can one suppress the freedom of the media? The impression [from the letter] goes that perhaps the court has suppressed the voice of the people,” he remarked.

“In its letter, the Pemra has stopped the satellite channels from broadcasting news on the conduct of judges and state institutions,” the attorney general told the court.

“What are these state institutions? The Supreme Court is not a state institution but a constitutional regulatory body. The Pemra has reduced the status of the Supreme Court. Has the Pemra responsible for the judicial matters?” he questioned.

Reporter: Amanat Gishkori