The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on Saturday night imposed a ban on broadcasting live speeches of former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan on all satellite TV channels with immediate effect. While addressing a protest rally in Islamabad earlier in the day, Imran warned the IG and DIG of Islamabad police, saying that he would not spare them and register a case against them for “torturing” party leader Shahbaz Gill during physical remand. Soon after Imran’s speech, the coalition parties demanded action against the former premier. Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah also vowed to take legal action against Imran for “threatening” the woman judge and police officials. PEMRA said that after analysing the content of Imran’s speech, it was observed that the content was aired live by the licensees without effective time delay mechanism, which was a violation of provisions of PEMRA laws. The media watchdog, however, said that the recorded speeches of the former PM would only be permitted to be aired after effective delay mechanism is put in place in order to ensure effective monitoring and editorial control in conformity with PEMRA laws.
