The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) informed the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday that there is no ban on broadcasting the speeches of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. This disclosure came during the hearing of a petition filed by Imran, who is currently incarcerated at Adiala Jail, challenging Pemra’s decision to prohibit satellite TV channels from airing his speeches and press talks.
The ban was implemented “immediately” after Imran criticized former army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa, accusing him of “protecting incumbent rulers in their alleged corruption cases.” Imran contended that Pemra’s order was driven by vengeance and challenged the ban in court. The LHC has conducted eight hearings on the case since its initiation.
During the recent hearing, Pemra’s counsel, Haroon Duggal, clarified that there is no ban on broadcasting Imran’s speeches. The court emphasized that Pemra should avoid exerting pressure on TV channels regarding the concerns raised by the petitioner. Following the brief arguments, the court concluded the petition.
In the order issued last year, Pemra cited Imran’s speeches as containing baseless allegations and hate speech against state institutions, prejudicial to law and order. The authority prohibited the broadcast/rebroadcast of Imran Khan’s speeches on all satellite TV channels, citing violations of its laws and judgments by the apex court.
Imran challenged the Pemra order, arguing that it exceeded jurisdiction and violated constitutional rights. He pointed out that the meeting that passed the order against him lacked the required quorum, making it “coram-non-judice.” The petition contended that Pemra’s order was illegal, unlawful, and contrary to fundamental rights, urging the court to set it aside.