Pak TV channels barred from live broadcasting Imran Khan’s speeches

Islamabad 21 August, Islamabad : The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has placed an immediate ban with immediate effect from the live broadcast of speeches of former Pak Prime Minister Imran Khan, after he threatened public officials and state institutions with grave implications, Geo News reported Sunday.

The PEMRA further stated that Imran Khans speeches constitute in violation of the Article 19 of the Constitution.Only pre-recorded speech can be broadcast with efficient monitoring and editorial oversight, according to the latest PEMRA notice, Geo News reported.

PEMRA issued a notice of six pages that states it has been noticed that Imran Khan continues making false accusations in his statements and speeches against national institutions, and spreading hate in his statements.According to PEMRA the ban was placed in place in accordance with the section 27 of the PEMRA Ordinance 2002.

The PEMRA notice included Khans speech at the F9 Park, Islamabad.The notice says the PTI chiefs remarks are harmful to the protection of law and order, as he is always inciting citizens to fight against authorities and institutions in his public speeches, Geo News reported.

The notification stated that Imran Khans hate speech as the former PMs is in direct opposition to the Supreme Courts decision in the suo motu court.The content of Imran Khans speech also in opposition to the Lahore High Court verdict, states the PEMRA.

The PEMRA also warned news media of strict actions if the guidelines werent followed.The PEMRA notification also contains excerpts from the speech of Imran Khan from 20 August in Urdu.

As of now, sources have said that the government has filed an FIR in the name of Imran Khan in accordance with the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) for threat to a judge as well as two police officers at the public gathering mentioned above.Imran Khan threatened Additional Sessions Judge Zeba Chaudhry by saying, "Zeba! Be prepared, we will begin to take legal actions against you".

He also issued threats to the IGP and DIG Islamabad by yelling at them, "IGP and DIG! We will not be spared".san/dp.