ISLAMABAD/LAHORE: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on Sunday banned live and recorded speeches of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan in view of his “inflammatory statements against state institutions and officials”. imposed All satellite TV channels with immediate effect.
The decision came as the ousted prime minister – ousted by a no-confidence motion in April last year – left his residence in Lahore’s Zaman Park following the arrival of a police team to arrest him in the Tosha Khana case. Gave a stern speech outside the residence. .
In its notification, the media watchdog directed all TV channels to refrain from telecasting live or recorded statements, speeches and conversations of Khan.
The statement further said that Imran Khan is constantly making accusations against state institutions by making baseless allegations.
The notification added that the PTI chief had spread hatred against institutions and their officers through his inflammatory statements. He further said that his statements could cause the law and order situation in the country.
The Media Regulatory Authority had also banned television channels from covering terrorist attacks on February 21.
These instructions came in continuation of earlier orders on the subject which asked TV channels to follow the provisions of PEMRA Electronic Media Code of Conduct 2015.
Reacting to the development, PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry said the move was a “nefarious attempt to silence the voice of Imran Khan” by the government.
He said the party would challenge the ban in court, and urged the media to approach the court against the order.
Meanwhile, HRCP condemned PEMRA’s decision to ban live and recorded speeches of PTI chief Imran Khan on electronic media.
A statement issued by the HRCP on Sunday said, “We have always opposed measures to stifle voices in the past – be it under the previous government or before – and we will not “We stand by our commitment to freedom of expression, regardless of a person’s political opinion. The ban must be lifted immediately.”
Later, the regulatory authority suspended the private TV channel’s license under Section 30(3) of the PEMRA Ordinance, saying the channel had deliberately violated the ban on telecasting Imran Khan’s speeches.
