Karachi, Pakistan, the country’s media regulatory body, PEMRA, initially barred all TV channels from broadcasting former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s speeches, both live and recorded. However, the Sindh High Court has recently overturned this directive from the media regulator.
After his removal from power, the former prime minister openly criticized state institutions, primarily focusing his critiques on the military establishment. This led the government to impose a ban on the vocal politician’s speeches.
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Following months of prohibition, the Sindh High Court annulled PEMRA’s restrictions against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s speeches. During the hearing led by Justice Mehmood A. Khan, concerns were raised about the absence of a legal representative from the federal government. Representing PTI chief Imran Khan were advisors from PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Shaikh and PTI leader Barrister Ali Tahir.
The counsel for Imran Khan argued that PEMRA’s order contradicted previous court judgments and violated the fundamental right of freedom of expression.
Subsequently, the court suspended PEMRA’s directive until further hearings. This legal battle ensued after Pakistan’s mainstream media regulator imposed a ban on airing Imran Khan’s statements and speeches on May 31, 2023, citing his alleged dissemination of baseless allegations and hate speech against state institutions and officials, potentially disrupting public order and tranquility.
