ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice Islamabad High Court Athar Minallah has remarked how Imran Khan can say in public whether an Army Chief is patriot or otherwise. He remarked should country be put at stake for sake of games of thrones.

Court while wrapping up petition filed against PEMRA orders prohibiting television channels from airing PTI chairman Imran Khan’s speeches live directed PEMRA to regulate it as per Supreme Court (SC) orders. Petition came up for hearing before single bench of IHC led by CJ Athar Minallah here. Barrister Ali Zafar appeared in court on behalf of Imran Khan. Counsel for PEMRA told court issuing show cause notice was aimed at delaying speech. Court inquired from counsel for PEMRA why don’t you implement delay policy.  Court remarked “very responsible persons give irresponsible statements. You have to work as per law. Ccourt will make no interference.”  Counsel for PEMRA said our directives were not meant for some particular person. Court inquired are you agreed over last order of court. Counsel for PEMRA agreed with court.  Court while moving to counsel for Imran Khan remarked “things be not made difficult. Irresponsible statement was given by your client too.”  Counsel for PEMRA said SC decision is there for airing things with delay on TV. Barrister Ali Zafar said what SC has said PEMRA has to do it. 

Court remarked how you can say in public whether any Army Chief is patriotic or otherwise.

Court inquired from barrister Zafar Ali was statement given by Imran Khan in public meeting on Sunday constitutional and correct. How can you say while addressing public that any Army Chief is patriotic or not. You are going to what direction. Why you are causing harm to constitutional institutions. What type of statements you are giving, you are creating difficulties for yourself. What message is being given to world due to your irresponsible statement. What statement was given in public does not fall in ambit of Article 19.  Court remarked every one is subordinate to Constitution. Every one should take care of Constitution. If irresponsible statements like this are given then they will have their consequences. Let PEMRA implement SC order.  Counsel for Imran Khan told court PEMRA cannot impose ban on airing speech of only one person live. Court remarked how will ban not be imposed if you give statements like this. If someone can say that Pakistan Army is not patriotic.  Court inquired why PEMRA did not implement time delay policy of SC. Counsel for PEMRA replied we have evolved procedure for implementing TIME delay policy sternly and have issued notices too. We will get implement policy. This petition be wrapped up. 

Court further remarked do you expect that court should give license on such irresponsible statements. What situation is going on in country. Is political leadership like this.  Court remarked all criticise if someone does illegal thing. Hold yourself accountable too that what you are going to want to do. You want whatever you say at your sweet will regulator should not regulate it. Don’t expect relief from court. This is privilege of court.

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 06 2022

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