ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday suspended a notification of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) which prohibited television channels from airing the live speeches of PTI Chairman Imran Khan.

Suspending the notification till September 5, the IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah observed that PEMRA did not have the authority to issue such orders. The court also issued notices to PEMRA and Attorney-General for Pakistan. Counsel for PTI Barristers Ali Zafar apprised the court that PTI Chairman Imran Khan wanted to hold a live telethon today (Monday) to raise funds for the affectees of devastating floods.

Under the constitution, he argued that television channels could not be barred from airing the live speeches of PTI chief. On August 21, PEMRA had banned the live speeches of PTI chairman after he had threatened the state institutions and government officials with serious consequences. According to PEMRA, Imran Khan’s addresses were in open violation of the PEMRA’s rules and Article 19 of the Constitution.