Imran Khan challenges PEMRA ban on his speeches in LHC

Former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan Monday challenged the PEMRA notification to ban his speeches telecast in Lahore High Court, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

The petition was filed by Ahmed Pansota and Ishtiaq A Khan saying that the PEMRA notification is a violation of Article 10(A) as the constitution of Pakistan gives the right to free speech.

Imran Khan’s Counsel maintained that PEMRA has banned Imran Khan at the directions of government. He termed all the PEMRA allegations baseless and they have no authority to ban an individual from live broadcast.

Furthermore, the petition stated that the PEMRA order is the violation of Islamabad High Court (IHC) verdict.

Meanwhile, the High Court's Registrar's Office has raised an objection not to attach a certified copy of the PEMRA's notification along with the appeal.
Justice Shahid Bilal Hasan will hear the objection of the Registrar's Office tomorrow (Tuesday, March 07, 2023).

Earlier, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) imposed a ban on broadcasting ‘live and recorded’ speeches and press conferences of former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan on all satellite TV channels with immediate effect.

“It has been observed that Imran Khan [Chairman PTI] in his speeches/statements is continuously alleging state institutions by leveling baseless allegations and spreading hate speech through his provocative statements against state institutions and officers which is prejudicial to the maintenance of law and order and is likely to disturb public peace and tranquility,” stated the notification issued by the regulatory authority.