The Lahore High Court on Monday observed that the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) had not issued any notification prohibiting TV channels from broadcasting the name of PTI founder Imran Khan, directing media outlets to air his name in accordance with his constitutional rights.
The petition was filed by PTI member Akmal Khan Bari, who argued that media outlets were being prevented from airing Imran Khan’s name based on instructions from the regulatory authority. Justice Farooq Haider presided over the hearing.
A detailed report was submitted to the court on behalf of Pemra — a copy of which was obtained by Dawn.com — which clarified that the authority had not issued any notification banning the publication or broadcast of Imran Khan’s name.
In its report, Pemra emphasized that as a regulatory body, it has always respected the constitutional rights guaranteed under Articles 4 (right of individuals to be dealt with in accordance with law), 14 (inviolability of dignity of man), 19 (freedom of speech), and 19A (right to information) of the Constitution.
The report further stated that no such order had been made to ban the airing of Imran Khan’s name. It also noted that if such an order were issued, it could be challenged under Section 30A of the Pemra Ordinance, which pertains to appeals.
The report pointed out that the petitioner had failed to provide any evidence or documentation to support the claim of Pemra’s alleged actions. Consequently, Pemra requested the court to dismiss the petition as inadmissible.
The court adjourned the hearing indefinitely.
During the proceedings, the petitioner’s counsel was absent, with the assistant counsel explaining that the main lawyer was engaged at the Supreme Court. Justice Haider remarked, “They never appear, they just have to file an application.”
The counsel representing the federal government argued that, under the Pemra Ordinance, the application was inadmissible.
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The petition claimed that the refusal of TV channels to air Imran Khan’s name amounted to a violation of his fundamental rights.
