ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) has suspended ban imposed by PEMRA on Imran Khan live speech besides issuing notice to PEMRA and Attorney General. Case came up for hearing before single bench of IHC presided over by Chief Justice (CJ) IHC Athar Minallah yesterday. Court remarked during hearing of case apparently PEMRA transgressed its powers by imposing ban on Imran Khan speech.

No proper reason is seen for slapping ban on Imran Khan speech in prevailing situation. Barrister Ali Zafar counsel for PTI argued Imran Khan wants to do telethon for flood affectees in country. A large amount will be collected for flood affectees through telethon. CJ issued directives to defence lawyer that he should read out transcript of Imran Khan speech.

Court remarked can threats be hurled on judges way these were hurled. Way injustice was done in three years and human rights were violated. I am saying with heavy heart we did not expect judiciary will be threatened. It is matter of regret that incumbent government is doing what was done in last three years.  Threat was hurled on a female judge and it was said judge will not be spared. Did party leader say to his followers that female judge has not to be spared. Had it been said about me then it did not matter.

But threats were hurled on female judge. Torture is unpardonable. Hurling threats on female judge is more unpardonable than this. Fair trial of Shehbaz Gill was made controversial due to all this dispute. Torture is a separate issue. You made it disputed too. Counsel for petitioner told court show cause notice has been received by Imran Khan on his statement. Case has also been registered against Imran Khan. I have seen torture marks on Shahbaz Gill.  Court remarked then action should be taken against news channels. If anyone is not convicted then such ban cannot be imposed on him.

There is culture in our police stations that torture is done. Spirit with which they speak in opposition if they speak so when they come in  government then situation will be different. This nation is divided today too. There is need to unite it. 

Published in The Daily National Courier, August, 30 2022

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