In a recent court session, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) presented a written response to the Lahore High Court, explicitly denying any directive or ban on broadcasting the name of Imran Khan, the founding chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). This clarification came as Justice Farooq Haider presided over a petition filed by PTI member Akmal Khan Bari, who alleged that PEMRA had restricted the use of Imran Khan’s name in television broadcasts.

According to PEMRA’s official response, no notification or directive had been issued to restrict Khan’s name on television. The regulatory authority emphasized that the petitioner failed to provide evidence supporting claims of such a restriction. Furthermore, PEMRA argued that the matter is already under review within PEMRA’s own internal proceedings, suggesting that the petition before the court may not be admissible.

Representatives for the federal government supported PEMRA’s stance, noting that the case does not qualify for judicial hearing as per PEMRA’s ordinance. With the petitioner’s primary lawyer occupied at the Supreme Court, the assisting attorney briefed the Lahore High Court, which subsequently postponed the case indefinitely. The petition advocates for the fundamental rights of news channels to freely mention Imran Khan’s name, urging the court to lift the alleged restriction.

Islamabad High Court Affirms Imran Khan’s Jail Rights Amid Petition for Improved Conditions

In a related case in Islamabad, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) addressed a petition seeking enhanced jail facilities and visiting rights for former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Filed by PTI member Noreen Niazi, the petition requested additional amenities and improved access for visitors.

Justice Arbab Mohammad Tahir reviewed the petition, which concluded with a written order confirming that Adiala Jail has indeed granted Khan the facilities permitted under judicial guidelines and prison regulations. The court’s written order and the detailed report from Adiala Jail’s Superintendent confirm that Khan can now receive visitors, a privilege previously limited by the Punjab Home Department due to security concerns. The report also clarified that Imran Khan has appointed a coordinator to oversee any meeting requests, in line with court orders.

The court’s directive aimed to ensure that all entitled prisoners, including Imran Khan, receive the same level of facility access. Jail officials reaffirmed that all available amenities align with jail manual standards. Although PTI’s legal representative raised concerns about communication limitations, the Deputy Superintendent of Adiala Jail noted that the jail’s manual restricts communication through platforms such as WhatsApp. However, Justice Arbab Mohammad Tahir urged the officials to find alternative ways to facilitate communication between Khan and his family.

With the court’s assurance, the petition for improved jail conditions was dismissed, satisfying the lawyers representing the petitioner. This case highlights ongoing judicial oversight regarding the treatment of public figures in detention and the balance between security concerns and rights preservation.

Stay tuned with Brides & You for updates on ongoing legal developments and political news.