AEMEND rejects ban on broadcasting Imran's speeches 

Islamabad: The Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND) rejected Pakistan Electronic Media Regulator Authority (PEMRA's) ban on broadcasting Pakistan tehreek-e-insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan's speeches, statements and conversations.

AEMEND stated that the ban of PEMRA is violation of basic constitutional rights. The constitution allows every person to speak and write according to the legal regulations.

“The state and institutions have the legal right to take action for violating this permission,” the association said adding that, channels are also responsible for conveying information to the public, just like following PEMRA rules and regulations.

According to AEMEND, PEMRA rules state that the channels have their own institutional mechanism and effective delay system, if a channel deliberately or unknowingly neglects this matter, than it will face the law. However, it is illegal to stop the channels from broadcasting the speech or talk of a political leader in this guise.

The association added that it had opposed the ban on free expression in the past as well. PEMRA should avoid unnecessary, illegal measures, and respect the freedom of expression and play its role according to the law.

Earlier on Sunday, PEMRA had banned the broadcast of PTI Chairman’s speeches under Section 27 of the PEMRA Ordinance.

It stated that he was making baseless accusations against state institutions in his speeches and statements.

According to the notification, Imran Khan is spreading hatred through inflammatory statements, adding that, “His statements are a threat to peace, therefore his recorded or live speeches and statements will be banned”.