The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) on Saturday banned all satellite TV networks from broadcasting live talks by former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan.
Earlier today, while speaking at a protest gathering in Islamabad, Imran told the IG and DIG of Islamabad police that he would not spare them and would file a complaint against them for “torturing” party leader Shahbaz Gill during physical remand.
He further chastised Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADSJ) Zeba Chaudhry for agreeing to the police request for physical remand while knowing that Gill had been exposed to “torture.” “We will not abandon you [Zeba], and we will also make a complaint against her.”
The coalition parties sought action against Imran soon after his remarks. Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah also threatened Imran with legal action for “threatening” the female judge and police officers.
“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,” a statement from the regulatory authority read.
According to Pemra, after analyzing the substance of Imran’s speech, it was discovered that the content was broadcast live by licensees without an effective time delay device, which is a breach of Pemra laws and a violation of judgments imposed by the honorable courts.
“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,” it said.
The media watchdog, however, said that the recorded speeches of the former PM would only be permitted to be aired after an effective delay mechanism is put in place in order to ensure effective monitoring and editorial control in conformity with Pemra laws.
“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 their platform is not used by anyone 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 programmes/talk shows/ news bulletins).”
It warned of legal action as per Pemra laws in case of any violation of the directives.
