Govt directs PEMRA to immediately remove ban on Imran Khan's speeches
- Centre exercises its power under Section 5
Shortly after the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) imposed a ban on the broadcasting of live and recorded speeches of Imran Khan on all satellite TV channels, the federal government on Saturday lifted the ban with immediate effect by implementing Section 5 of the PEMRA Act, Aaj News reported.
Earlier in the day, PEMRA imposed a ban on the broadcasting of Imran's speeches saying “they can cause the public to become violent.” The action was taken in accordance with PEMRA Ordinance 2002.
Pemra places ban on live speeches of Imran Khan
“Imran hurled baseless allegations on national institutions as his speeches were broadcasted without editorial oversight,” it said. “The speeches might spark violence from the public.”
On August 21, 2022, PEMRA had banned live speeches of the PTI chairman for “leveling baseless allegations against the institutions”.
The authority said the statements of Imran Khan were against the officers and institutions and constituted a violation of Article 19 of the constitution.
IHC suspends PEMRA order of banning Imran Khan's live speeches on TV
On August 29, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) suspended PEMRA’s decision and said that there was no valid reason for banning the former PM's live speeches.
Subsequently, TV channels were allowed to air recorded speeches of the former premier.
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