Islamabad: Islamabad High Court has sought clarification on why Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) considers it special privilege to determine defense analysts.

Court was hearing case challenging PEMRA notification that restricts defence analysis on TV channels to only retired military officers. Justice Babar Sattar issued written order regarding case. High Court has requested original records and inquired about basis of PEMRA’s notification. It has also asked Ministry of Defence to clarify legal standing of ISPR and why ISPR deems designation of defence analysts as its exclusive authority. Court questioned PEMRA’s authority to regulate TV channel content and sought clarification on its role in pre-clearing analysts’ opinions.

PEMRA’s lawyer referenced Section 20 of PEMRA Ordinance, which pertains to responsibility of TV channels regarding national security, integrity and sovereignty. However, relevance of pre-clearing analysts to national security and sovereignty was questioned. Court has granted PEMRA lawyer additional time to address these queries and to explain why PEMRA felt need to issue such circular. Court also asked if armed forces or ISPR had made specific request for this notification. PEMRA issued notification on April 4, 2019, restricting defense analysis to retired military personnel.