Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has banned the telecast of former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s speeches. Meanwhile, a private channel ARY News TV aired his speech a day earlier on Monday, due to which its license has been suspended after a few hours.
Ban imposed on the telecast of Imran Khan’s speeches
The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on Sunday night banned satellite television channels from airing live broadcasts and recorded speeches of cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan after the Islamabad police failed to arrest him. ARY channel is known to show news in favor of Khan and action was taken against the broadcaster in the past as well.
Spreading indecency through continuous speeches
According to a PEMRA order, “it has been observed that Imran Khan, Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, in his speeches/statements is continuously making baseless allegations and spreading hate speech against state institutions and officials.”
Broadcasting was banned with immediate effect
The regulator said it has been observed that such telecasts were being carried out on TV channels in violation of the provisions of PEMRA laws as well as judgments of apex courts. “Hence, the Competent Authority i.e. Chairman PEMRA prohibits telecast/re-telecast/press talks of Imran Khan’s speeches on all satellite TV channels with immediate effect,” the PEMRA order said.
Instructions were given to all satellite TV channels
It also directed all satellite TV channels to form unbiased editorial boards, as required by Section 17 of the Electronic Media (Programs and Advertisements) Code of Conduct, 2015, to ensure that their platforms are not used to distribute abusive content. Not made to broadcast comments or hateful or prejudicial statements.
Warning of suspension of license for non-compliance
PEMRA warned TV stations that their licences would be suspended if they did not comply. This is not the first time that PEMRA has taken action against Khan, it banned the telecast and re-telecast of the PTI chairman’s speeches and press conferences in November last year, but the federal government revoked it the same day.
Provocative speeches were being given outside the residence
Earlier on Sunday, the Islamabad police went to Lahore to arrest Khan with an arrest warrant, suspecting that he had avoided appearing in court. Although the police were informed that Khan was not at his residence, he later appeared outside the residence and made an inflammatory speech, which resulted in the banning of all his speeches.
Lost power after losing trust vote
Khan was ousted from power in April last year after losing a vote of confidence, which he alleged was part of a US-led conspiracy targeting him because of his independent foreign policy decisions on Russia, China, and Afghanistan. Since his ouster, Khan has been fighting for immediate elections to oust the government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Sharif has stated that elections will be held later this year after the completion of the five-year term of the parliament.
(The IBC NewsTV team may have changed just the report’s headline and cover image; the remaining text was created automatically from a syndicated feed.)