The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) revealed to the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday that there is no existing ban on broadcasting speeches made by former Prime Minister Imran Khan. This revelation came during the hearing of a petition filed by Imran Khan last year against Pemra’s decision to restrict satellite TV channels from airing his speeches and press talks.
The ban had been promptly imposed by Pemra after Imran Khan criticized former army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa for allegedly shielding the ruling government from corruption charges. Imran Khan, currently incarcerated at Adiala Jail, contended that the ban was driven by vengeance, leading to a legal battle that has seen eight hearings at the LHC since its initiation.
During the recent court proceedings, Pemra’s counsel, Haroon Duggal, clarified that there is no prohibition on broadcasting Imran Khan’s speeches. This unexpected statement prompted the court to urge Pemra to avoid exerting undue pressure on TV channels concerning the petitioner’s concerns.
In response to Pemra’s statement, Imran Khan’s legal counsel, Ahmed Pansota, and the federal government’s lawyer appeared in court. Justice Shams Mehmood Mirza presided over the hearing, which concluded swiftly after the court acknowledged Pemra’s clarification.
The initial ban imposed by Pemra cited Imran Khan’s alleged use of provocative language against state institutions, accusing him of spreading baseless allegations and hate speech. Pemra had instructed all satellite TV channels to constitute an impartial editorial board to prevent the misuse of their platforms for contemptuous remarks against state institutions.
Imran Khan had challenged Pemra’s order, asserting that it exceeded the authority’s jurisdiction and violated constitutional rights. The petition argued that Pemra’s decision was illegal, unlawful, and against the principles of proportionality, emphasizing procedural irregularities in the meeting that passed the order.
As this legal saga continues, the latest revelation raises questions about the initial basis for the ban and adds a new dimension to the ongoing legal battle between Imran Khan and Pemra.
