LAHORE: Lahore High Court (LHC) issued notices to Chairman PEMRA Salim Baig and Director Operations PEMRA in matter of imposition of ban on broadcasting Imran Khan’s speeches on TV channels despite court stay order.

Petition regarding ban on broadcasting of Imran Khan’s speeches despite court’s stay order came up for hearing before single bench of LHC led by Justice Shams Mehmood Mirza here.

Barrister Ahmad Pansuta counsel for Imran Khan told court LHC has issued stay order against PEMRA ban on broadcasting Imran Khan’s speeches and has suspended PEMRA notice regarding ban on PTI Chairman speeches. Ban on broadcasting Imran Khan’s speeches by TV channels despite court orders is contempt of court.  

He argued ban on broadcasting Imran Khan’s speeches was violation of fundamental rights laid down in Constitution. Constitution gives freedom of expression to citizens in country. Ban on broadcasting speeches of Imran Khan is blatant violation of Constitution. Citizens have never accepted restrictions on freedom of expression in Pakistan. Ban on freedom of expression will lead to create chaos in country and political unrest.

He contended country cannot afford chaos due to ban on broadcasting speeches in the prevailing political situation.

Counsel for Imran Khan requested court to initiate contempt of court proceedings against chairman PEMRA Salim Baig and director operations PEMRA. Court after hearing arguments has issued notice to respondents and sought reply.

Published in The Daily National Courier, April, 04 2023

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