Because of his “provocative statements against state institutions and officers,” the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) has placed an immediate ban on broadcasting live and recorded talks by former Prime Minister Imran Khan on all satellite TV networks.
The judgement came hours after the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman delivered a stinging statement outside his Zaman Park mansion in Lahore following the arrival of a police squad to arrest him in the Toshakhana case, according to The News.
The media watchdog asked all TV networks to desist from airing Khan’s live or recorded statements, speeches, and chats in its notification.
“Imran Khan is continuously blaming state institutions by levelling baseless allegations,” it added.
According to The News, the notification further stated that the PTI chairman promoted hatred towards the institutions and their officers by his inflammatory utterances.
It went on to say that his words could lead to a breakdown in the country’s law and order.
On February 21, the media regulatory authority also prohibited television broadcasters from covering terror acts.
The guidelines were issued in response to previous decisions requiring TV stations to follow the rules of the PEMRA Electronic Media Code of Conduct 2015.
In response, PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry called the measure a “nefarious attempt to suppress Imran Khan’s voice” by the government.
He stated that the party would contest the ban in court and asked the media to do the same.
