Finance
Because of his “provocative statements against state institutions and officers,” the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) has imposed an immediate ban on broadcasting live and recorded speeches by former Prime Minister Imran Khan on all satellite TV channels.
The decision came hours after the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman delivered a stinging speech outside his Zaman Park residence in Lahore following the arrival of a police team to arrest him in the Toshakhana case, according to The News.
The media watchdog directed all TV channels to refrain from airing Khan’s live or recorded statements, speeches, and conversations in its notification.
“Imran Khan is continuously blaming state institutions by levelling baseless allegations,” it added.
According to The News, the notification also stated that the PTI chief spread hatred against the institutions and their officers through his incendiary statements.
It went on to say that his statements could lead to a breakdown in the country’s law and order.
On February 21, the media regulatory authority also prohibited television channels from covering terror attacks.
The directives were issued in response to previous orders requiring TV stations to follow the provisions of the PEMRA Electronic Media Code of Conduct 2015.
Reacting to the development, PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry said the move was a “nefarious attempt to silence Imran Khan’s voice” by the government.
He said the party would challenge the ban in court, and urged the media to approach the court against the order.
Source:OCN
