PEMRA prohibits Imran Khan’s speeches
FOE Link or motive by PPF
ConfirmedCase Update Status
On March 9, 2023 Lahore High court suspends the ban on speeches of Imran Khan.
Summary of Case
"PEMRA prohibited all satellite TV channels from broadcasting live and recorded speeches and press conferences by Imran Khan on April 17, 2023. This ban was imposed due to allegations of hate speech and violation of Article 19 of the Constitution of Pakistan and a Supreme Court judgment. To prevent contemptuous remarks against state institutions and hateful content that could endanger law and order, PEMRA directed all channels to establish an impartial Editorial Board. Any violation of these directives could result in legal action under Pemra laws. However, on March 9, 2023, the Lahore High Court suspended this ban on Imran Khan's speeches and press conferences on satellite TV channels. Imran had filed a petition challenging the ban, and Justice Shams Mehmood Mirza suggested a full bench be formed to hear the case. PEMRA accused Imran of spreading hate speech and making baseless allegations against state institutions and officers. Imran's counsel argued that the ban violated freedom of speech and requested that the PEMRA order be set aside. During a Senate Standing Committee meeting on Information and Broadcasting, the electronic media regulator faced criticism for suspending news channel transmissions and blocking Imran Khan's speeches. Imran Khan's ban on live or recorded speeches on satellite TV channels, which was imposed by PEMRA, was suspended by the Lahore High Court (LHC) on March 9, 2023. Imran filed a petition challenging the ban, and Justice Shams Mehmood Mirza presided over the LHC. The judge suggested that a full bench be formed to hear the case. PEMRA's order accused Imran of spreading hate speech and making baseless allegations against state institutions and officers, leading to a prohibition of such content on TV channels. Imran's counsel argued that the ban violated freedom of speech and requested that the PEMRA order be set aside. During a Senate Standing Committee meeting on Information and Broadcasting, the electronic media regulator faced criticism for suspending news channel transmissions and blocking Imran Khan's speeches."
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
The News
Date of incident
5
Month
March
Year
2023
Name of affected person
Imran Khan
Other affected persons
Not other person affected
Name of affected organization
All organizations was affected
Other affected organizations
No other organization was affected
Action by
By Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA).
City
Nationwide
Province
Nationwide
Designation
Former prime minister
Professional category
Politician
Age of victim
70 years
Marital Status
MarriedCompensation 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: Lahore High Court
Name of prosecuting lawyer: Barrister Ahmad Pansota
Date of first court hearing: 08/03/2023
Date of last court hearing: 09/03/2023
Status of court case: Case closed
Journalist Union Status
PFUJ
Not required to contact
APNS
N/A
CPNE
N/A
PBA
N/A
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