Pakistani televangelist barred from TVs

Islamabad Dec 13 (IANS) A Pakistani court on Wednesday barred televangelist and TV host Amir Liaquat Hussain from making any television appearances till further notice.

Islamabad High Court judge Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui approved the interim measure while he hears arguments to permanently bar Liaquat from using television social media and print media for allegedly abusing his influence to spread discord and hatred the Dawn reported.

Petitioner Muhammad Abbas s lawyer Shoaib Razaq told the court that Liaquat didn t have any Islamic degree or certification and yet called himself an aalim (religious scholar).

"Liaquat used (TV shows) for a number of years to create social and religious divide in the country " the petitioner alleged adding the televangelist had handed out fatwas which have put the lives of a number of people in danger.

The petitioner said that the TV show host had repeatedly violated the Pakistan Electronic Media Authority s (Pemra) code of conduct.

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

--IANS
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