The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has imposed a ban on the airing of speeches made by former Prime Minister Imran Khan on satellite TV channels. The decision was taken due to the provocative nature of Khan's statements against state institutions and his criticism of high-ranking officials. PEMRA stated that the broadcasting of "hateful, slanderous, and unwarranted statements" against the country's leadership is a violation of Article 19 of the Constitution.
Article 19 of the Pakistani Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of speech and expression, subject to certain restrictions. These restrictions include prohibiting speech that is considered to be against the sovereignty, integrity, and security of Pakistan or that incites violence or hatred. PEMRA's decision to ban the airing of Imran Khan's speeches is based on this provision, which allows for such restrictions to be imposed in the interest of national security and public order.
The ban is significant as Imran Khan is a prominent political figure in Pakistan, having served as the country's Prime Minister from August 2018 to March 2021. He is also the chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, which is currently the ruling party in Pakistan. PEMRA's decision is likely to be viewed as a politically motivated move by many of Khan's supporters and members of his party.
The ban also highlights the ongoing tension between Pakistan's government and media organizations. Pakistan has been criticized by international human rights groups for its poor record on press freedom, with journalists often facing harassment, intimidation, and even violence. The ban on Imran Khan's speeches adds to these concerns and raises questions about the extent to which the government is willing to limit freedom of expression in the name of national security.
