Court moved against ban on PTI chief’s speeches
PTI chief Imran Khan is addressing his supporters from his Zaman Park residence in Lahore on May 13, 2023. Photo: NNI
The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Thursday issued notices to the federal government and Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) in response to a petition challenging the ban on speeches by PTI’s chairman in national media.
During a hearing on a constitutional petition against the ban on Imran Khan’s speeches, Barrister Ali Tahir, representing the petitioner, argued that PEMRA must specify the legal basis for the said ban. He contended that the ban on speech and images constitutes a violation of the Constitution of Pakistan. Article 4 of the Constitution clearly stipulates that no action can be taken without the presence of a law. PEMRA’s action, he argued, is in violation of the law.
The counsel requested the court to expedite the case, arguing that it involves a constitutional violation. Subsequently, the court issued notices to the federal government and PEMRA, ordering them to submit their replies by October 16.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 29th, 2023.