In a significant development, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has challenged the federal government regarding the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) and its claim to an “exclusive right” in determining who qualifies as a defence analyst. This scrutiny emerged during a hearing concerning Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) directives that require retired military officers to obtain prior approval from the ISPR before appearing on television.
The court’s inquiry was spurred by a case brought forth by the Ex-Servicemen Legal Forum, with backing from the Pakistan Ex-Servicemen Society, contesting Pemra’s April 2019 directive that mandated television channels to seek clearance from the ISPR for inviting retired officers to discuss national security matters.
During the hearing, Justice Babar Sattar interrogated Assistant Attorney General Adeel Akhtar Raja about the legal basis for ISPR’s authority in this context. The court expressed concern over the implications of these directives on freedom of speech and sought clarification on whether there had been any military or ISPR requests prompting these restrictions.
Justice Sattar emphasized the need for Pemra to present the original documentation justifying the issuance of these controversial directives, asking, “What does pre-clearance of individuals providing content on television have to do with the country’s sovereignty or security?”
As the case unfolds, it has been adjourned until November 20, allowing further time for the Assistant Attorney General to gather the necessary information to assist the court in understanding the complexities surrounding these regulations. The IHC’s probing stance highlights a growing concern over the balance between national security and the freedom of expression in Pakistan’s media landscape.
