The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has imposed a ban on broadcasting Imran Khan’s live speeches on all satellite TV channels after the former prime minister criticized state institutions in a speech. A statement from PEMRA reads; “The competent authority i.e. Chairman PEMRA in view of the above-mentioned background and reasons, in the exercise of delegated powers of the Authority vested in Section 27(a) of the PEMRA Ordinance 2002 as amended by PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007, hereby prohibits the broadcast of live speech of Mr. Imran Khan on all satellite TV channels with immediate effect.”
The statement further added; “It has been observed that Mr. Imran Khan, Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, in his speeches/statements is continuously alleging state institutions by leveling baseless allegations and spreading hate speech through his provocative statements against state institutions and officers which is prejudicial to the maintenance of law and order and is likely to disturb public peace and tranquility.”
Imran Khan Speeches Can be Broadcasted with Effective Delay Speeches
PEMRA has said that Imran Khan’s Speeches are banned from live broadcasting however they can be televised with an effective delay mechanism in line with the PEMRA code of conduct 2015. The notification said; “Furthermore, all satellite TV channels are directed to ensure that an impartial and independent Editorial Board be constituted as required under Clause 17 of Electronic Media (Programmes and Advertisement) Code of Conduct 2015 in order to ensure that no one uses their platform for uttering remarks in any manner which are contemptuous and against any state institution and hateful, prejudicial to law and order situation in the country (in any manner even repeatedly in programs, talk shows, news bulletins).”
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Hate Speech Against Institutions
The media watchdog said that the statement issued by Imran khan was against the Supreme Court’s verdict in the suo motu case and it was also against the Lahore High Court verdict. During his speech in Islamabad Imran Khan warned the IG and DIG of Islamabad police that he would register a case against them for torturing Shahbaz Gill. Furthermore, he called out the judge for approving the police request for Gill’s physical remand.
