LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday suspended Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority’s (Pemra) order, banning the broadcast of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairperson Imran Khan’s speeches.
Justice Shams Mehmood Mirza announced the suspension of the order in a verdict he had reserved earlier today. The judge also admitted the PTI chief’s request for the formation of a full bench and sent the case to the LHC chief justice.
The judge after announcing the verdict adjourned the hearing till March 13.
On Sunday, Pemra slapped a ban on the live broadcast of the deposed prime minister after he heaped scorn on state institutions amid drama over his arrest from Zaman Park in the Toshakhana case. Subsequently, Khan filed a petition in the LHC for the annulment of the ban, accusing the regulatory authority of exceeding its constitutional powers by imposing the restriction.
Today, LHC’s Justice Mirza took up the plea for a hearing and inquired about the grounds of the case.
Khan’s lawyer informed the court that an earlier ban imposed by Pemra was also suspended by the Islamabad High Court.
At this, Pemra’s lawyer opposed the argument and argued that the case was in IHC’s jurisdiction and not in the LHC.
“A five-member bench has heard a case of similar nature on Monday,” the lawyer maintained while requesting the court to forward the plea to a larger bench.
At this, the LHC had reserved its verdict.
