Pemra 'embarrassed': IHC sets aside ban on live telecast of Imran Khan's speeches

Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday “set aside” the Pakistan Media Regulatory Authority’s (Pemra) ban on the live telecast of PTI chairman Imran Khan’s speeches.

The court issued a written order in this regard. 

Addressing a rally in Islamabad on On August 20 to express solidarity with party leader Dr Shahbaz Gill facing proceedings in a sedition case, Imran warned the judiciary against its “biased” attitude and warned the judge who sent Mr Gill on physical remand to brace for consequences.

Subsequently, a ban was imposed on the live broadcast of Imran’s speeches after which he approached the court for the order’s reversal.

At the hearing of the case on Monday, the IHC had disposed of Imran’s petition.

IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah, in a written order, said the counsel of the watchdog was “not able to satisfy the court that a blanket prohibition order could be passed under Section 27 of the Pemra Ordinance”.

The law states that the authority can, by order in writing and giving reasons, prohibit any broadcast media or distribution service operator from “broadcasting or re-broadcasting or distributing any programme or advertisement if it is of the opinion that such a particular programme or advertisement is against the ideology of Pakistan or is likely to create hatred among the people or is prejudicial to the maintenance of law and order”.

The court directed the watchdog to ensure the implementation of orders given by the Supreme Court binding on Pemra and the licensees.

Earlier, the apex court had directed Pemra to devise a standard operating procedure for live coverage, in pursuant to which, the electronic media had introduced a time-delay mechanism.

“In case the licensees fail to effectively implement the directions regarding delaying mechanism, then Pemra will be expected to proceed against such delinquent licensees in accordance with the law,” the IHC stated

Subsequently, the court set aside Pemra’s prohibition orders on Imran’s speeches.

In his petition, Imran contended that the ban was illegal, unlawful, more than its jurisdiction, and contrary to the fundamental rights under the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973.