Case Update Status

PEMRA did not lift the ban on broadcasting of sitting judges on electronic media.

Summary of Case

"PPF urges PEMRA to revoke the ban on the broadcast of content regarding the conduct of judges. Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) urges the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to revoke its order banning the broadcast of any content pertaining to the conduct of sitting judges of the high courts and superior court. In light of the implications of such a ban on the public’s access to information, we urge the regulatory body to ensure that the free flow of information regarding those in positions of power including the judiciary is not restricted. In a prohibition order dated March 9, PEMRA stated that despite repeated directives, TV channels were “persistently discussing conduct of honorable judges of superior courts and orchestrating vilification campaign through airing slanderous allegations.” They noted that this was in violation of PEMRA rules. Additionally, the order noted that the conduct of judges cannot be discussed in the parliament. PEMRA prohibited the broadcast or rebroadcast of “any content pertaining to conduct of the Honorable sitting judges of the High Court and Superior Court, in any manner, on electronic media (news bulletins, talk shows, etc) with immediate effect”. Recently, three audio clips pertaining to a sitting judge of the Supreme Court came into the limelight. According to Dawn, former Punjab chief minister Parvez Elahi ""was purportedly heard talking to the top court judge before whose bench he wanted a corruption case to be fixed"". In light of such audio leaks, a ban on the conduct of sitting judges will restrict the public’s access to information regarding developments on this. The media must be able to perform its duties through coverage of key developments in the country and to hold those in power accountable."

Category of Incident

Censorship

ICCS Status

ICCS Divisions: 0803-Acts related to freedom of expression or control of expression

ICCS Group: 08039-Other acts related to freedom of expression or control of expression

ICCS Class: N/A

ICCS Crime: Acts related to freedom of expression or control of expression

Reported By

Dawn

Date of incident

9

Month

March

Year

2023

Name of affected person

No person was affected

Other affected persons

Not other person affected

Name of affected organization

All media organizations

Other affected organizations

All media organizations

Action by

By the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority

City

Nationwide

Province

Nationwide

Designation

Not applicalble as PEMRA prohibited the broadcasting.

Professional category

Not applicalble as PEMRA prohibited the broadcasting.

Age of victim

Not applicalble as PEMRA prohibited the broadcasting.

Marital Status

Compensation Details

Amount of compensation announced by government: No compensation announced

Date of compensation announcement by government: No compensation announced

Date of compensation paid by government: No compensation announced

Amount of compensation announced by others: No compensation announced

Date of compensation announced by others: No compensation announced

Date compensation paid by others: No compensation announced

FIR Details

Was FIR registered ?: No

Court Details

Was case investigated ?: Yes

Court where case was presented: Case is in Supreme Court.

Name of prosecuting lawyer: Case is in Supreme Court.

Date of first court hearing:

Date of last court hearing:

Status of court case: Case is in Supreme Court.

Journalist Union Status

PFUJ

Not required to contact

APNS

N/A

CPNE

N/A

PBA

N/A

Media Source Status

Media reports:

Condemn Status

Colleague of victim

Not required to contact

Employer organization

Not required to contact

Press Club Status

Press club 1: Not required to contact

Press club 2: N/A

Press club 3: N/A