On Friday, Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) banned the broadcast of content regarding the conduct of sitting Supreme Court and high court judges.
The regulatory watchdog for electronic media implemented the ban immediately, prohibiting television channels from broadcasting or rebroadcasting such content.
The regulatory body cited Article 68 of the Constitution in its order, stating that:
“Therefore, the competent authority i.e. chairman Pemra, in the exercise of delegated powers of the authority vested in Section 27(a) of the Pemra Ordinance 2002 as amended by Pemra (Amendment) Act 2007, prohibits broadcast/rebroadcast of any content pertaining to conduct of Honourable sitting judges of High Court and Supreme Court, in any manner, on electronic media (news bulletins, talks shows etc.), with immediate effect.”
Furthermore, Article 68 states:
“No discussion shall take place in [Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament)] with respect to the conduct of any Judge of the Supreme Court or of a High Court in the discharge of his duties.”
Pemra Stated:
“The regulatory body observed that despite receiving repeated directives, satellite television channels continued to discuss the conduct of honorable judges of superior courts and carried out a vilification campaign by broadcasting slanderous allegations.”
Moreover, The regulatory body emphasized that broadcasting any kind of content that pertains to the conduct of judges or goes against the superior judiciary is a violation of Pemra laws and judgments of the apex court.
Read More: BOL TV Co-Chairman Shoaib Shaikh Arrested In Islamabad
