Pakistan bans media broadcast of ex-PM Imran Khan speeches
06 Mar 2023 07:21pm
Pakistan's Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) imposed the ban late Sunday after Khan held a provocative speech in the eastern city of Lahore following an attempt to arrest him.
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Pakistan's Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) imposed the ban late Sunday after Khan held a provocative speech in the eastern city of Lahore following an attempt to arrest him.
The former premier evaded the arrest and alleged an former army chief was behind his ouster. He also accused the country's spy agency of arresting and torturing his political aides.
PEMRA accused Khan of levelling baseless allegations against state institutions and officials as well as inciting hatred through his provocative statements.
Hours later, the authority suspended the license of ARY News for violating the order and airing Khan's speech.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) criticised the move, saying the organisation had "always opposed measures to curb voices in the past - whether under the previous government or earlier - and we stand by our commitment to freedom of speech."
The ban on satellite TV channels to broadcast live or recorded speeches of a political leader is not the first of its kind in Pakistan.
In 2020, PEMRA imposed similar restrictions on speeches of former premier Nawaz Sharif while Khan was still in office.
Khan, who came to power after a disputed election in 2018, was removed by parliament in April last year by means of a no-confidence vote and has since faced a slew of legal challenges.
Among other charges, the former leader has been accused of money laundering, stealing expensive gifts, concealing assets and raising illegal funds for his party in the United States, India and Europe. - Bernama
