ISPR role in naming defence analysts questioned

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday sought clarification on why the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) considered it a special privilege to determine defence analysts presenting the viewpoints on TV channels.

IHC Justice Babar Sattar issued a written order regarding the hearing of a case, challenging a Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) notification that restricted defence analysis on TV channels to only retired military officers.

The court sought the original records and inquired about the basis of Pemra's notification. It also asked the defence ministry to clarify the legal standing of the ISPR and why the ISPR deemed the designation of defence analysts as its exclusive authority.