ISLAMABAD, Aug 29 (Online): Islamabad High Court (IHC) has suspended ban imposed by PEMRA on Imran Khan live speech besides issuing notice to PEMRA and Attorney General.
The case came up for hearing before single bench of IHC presided over by Chief Justice (CJ) IHC Athar Minallah Monday.
The court remarked during the hearing of the case apparently PEMRA transgressed its powers by imposing ban on Imran Khan Speech. No proper reason is seen for slapping ban on Imran Khan Speech in the prevailing situation.
Barrister Ali Zafar counsel for PTI argued Imran Khan wants to do telethon for flood affectees in the country. A large amount will be collected for flood affectees through telethon.
The CJ issued directives to defence lawyer that he should read out transcript of Imran Khan Speech.
The court remarked can the threats be hurled on judges the way these were hurled. The way injustice was done in three years and human rights were violated. I am saying with heavy heart we did not expect the judiciary will be threatened. It is matter of regret that incumbent government is doing what was done in the last three years. Threat was hurled on a female judge and it was said the judge will not be spared. Did party leader say to his followers that the female judge has not to be spared? Had it been said about me then it did not matter. But threats were hurled on female judge. Torture is unpardonable. Hurling threats on female judge is more unpardonable than this. The fair trial of Shahbaz Gill was made controversial due to allthis dispute. Torture is a separate issue. You made it disputed too.
The counsel for the petitioner told the court show cause notice has been received by Imran Khan on his statement. Case has also been registered against Imran Khan. I have seen torture marks on Shahbaz Gill. PEMRA says channel has not adopted the policy of time delay.
The court remarked all the channels have shown it without time delay. Then this responsibility comes on news channels. It means this does not run live at all.
The counsel told the court time delay is of 12 seconds so that if some one says wrong it could be censored.
The court remarked then action should be taken against news channels. If any one is not convicted then such ban cannot be imposed on him. There is culture in our police stations that torture is done. The spirit with which they speak in opposition if they speak so when they come in government then the situation will be different. This nation is divided today too. There is need to unite it.
Barrister Zafar Ali told the court channels did not do time delay then the PEMRA imposed ban on live speeches of Imran Khan at television for ever.
The court remarked when executive is in power then they forget that torture takes place in police stations. No executive has seen torture as issue so far. The biggest torture is enforced disappearances in the country.
The court suspended the ban imposed by PEMRA on Imran Khan speeches at TV.
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