In a recent development, the Lahore High Court (LHC) heard a petition filed by former Prime Minister Imran Khan against the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra). Pemra’s counsel, Haroon Duggal, made a significant revelation during the hearing, stating that there is no prohibition on broadcasting Imran Khan’s speeches. This disclosure effectively dispelled previous claims and concerns about a ban on airing the former prime minister’s speeches.
The backdrop of this legal saga involves Pemra’s decision to restrict satellite TV channels from broadcasting Imran Khan’s speeches and press talks while he is detained at Adiala Jail. The ban was promptly implemented following Imran’s critical remarks about former army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa, accusing him of shielding current rulers in alleged corruption cases. Imran, contesting this ban, argued that it was motivated by vengeance. This led to a series of eight hearings on the case, highlighting the contentious nature of the matter.
Read more : Imran Khan Speech Ban Removed By Court
During the recent hearing, Imran Khan was represented by his lawyer, Ahmed Pansota, who appeared alongside the federal government’s counsel before Justice Shams Mehmood Mirza of the LHC. The court, offering guidance to Pemra, cautioned against pressuring TV channels regarding Imran’s concerns. In response, Pemra’s counsel, Haroon Duggal, took the opportunity to clarify that there is no ban on airing the petitioner’s speeches.
This clarification marks a crucial turning point in the legal battle, as it addresses the central issue raised by Imran Khan in his petition. With this information in hand, the court concluded the hearing on the petition. The resolution of this matter in favor of Imran Khan implies that the alleged ban on broadcasting his speeches has been debunked, providing clarity on the regulatory framework surrounding the dissemination of his public addresses through media channels.
As the legal proceedings unfold, it remains to be seen how this development will impact the dynamics between Imran Khan and the regulatory authority, and whether it will lead to any further implications in the ongoing legal battle.
