LHC lifts ban on Imran Khan’s speeches, pronounces reserved verdict

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) lifts the ban on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s speeches imposed by Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA).

The move was challenged by PTI in the high court and the hearing was conducted on the petition today.

The court issued a notice to the media watchdog seeking a response in this regard. The court also recommended the formation of a full bench on the petition

Earlier, LHC reserved its verdict on the petition filed by PTI Chairman Imran Khan against the ban. Justice Shams Mahmood Mirza conducted the hearing.

At the outset of the hearing today, the court inquired how can a ban be imposed on the speeches of the head of a political party.

The court further exhorted that the chairman PEMRA should be cautious next time while taking decisions next time.

Later, the court reserved the verdict.

Notably, PEMRA banned the broadcast of the speeches, talks, and statements of Imran Khan on all TV channels with immediate effect as he is constantly criticising the state institutions on March 5.

In a statement issued by the media watchdog on Sunday, Imran Khan’s live and recorded speeches, statements and talks have been banned under Section 27 of PEMRA Ordinance.

PTI challenged the ban in LHC and Imran Khan’s lawyer Barrister Ahmed Pansuta filed the petition.

The petition maintained that the ban on speech is a violation of the fundamental rights in the Constitution. “The Constitution of Pakistan allows citizens to freedom of expression,” it added.

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