IHC challenges ISPR’s exclusive role in designating defence analysts

Justice Babar Sattar asks PEMRA if armed forces or ISPR had made specific request for notification on defence analysts

The Islamabad High Court has sought clarification on why the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) considers it a special privilege to determine defense analysts.

The court was hearing a case challenging a PEMRA notification that restricts defence analysis on TV channels to only retired military officers. Justice Babar Sattar issued a written order regarding the case.

The High Court has requested the original records and inquired about the basis of PEMRA's notification.

It has also asked the Ministry of Defence to clarify the legal standing of ISPR and why ISPR deems the designation of defence analysts as its exclusive authority.

The court questioned PEMRA's authority to regulate TV channel content and sought clarification on its role in pre-clearing analysts’ opinions.

PEMRA's lawyer referenced Section 20 of the PEMRA Ordinance, which pertains to the responsibility of TV channels regarding national security, integrity, and sovereignty.

However, the relevance of pre-clearing analysts to national security and sovereignty was questioned.

The court has granted the PEMRA lawyer additional time to address these queries and to explain why PEMRA felt the need to issue such a circular.

The court also asked if the armed forces or ISPR had made a specific request for this notification.

PEMRA issued the notification on April 4, 2019, restricting defense analysis to retired military personnel.