ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has ordered broadcasters not to air any speeches or media talks - recorded or live - of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan.

The media watchdog, in its prohibition order sent to news channels, said that Imran’s press conference a day earilier on Thursday was made part of news bulletins ‘without editorial oversight’. It added that he made unsubstantiated allegations against state institutions

In his press conference, Imran claimed that three individuals - including the premier, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and a senior army officer - were responsible for the attempt on his life.

“…airing of such content is likely to create hatred among people…,” it continued.

The prohibition order shares excerpts from his media talk, with parts of it highlighted in red that the watchdog believed had to be edited.

The order added that the blanket ban was imposed under Section 27(a) of the Pemra Ordinance 2002 as amended by Pemra (Amendment) 2007.

“In case of any violation observed licence may be suspended under Section 30 (3) of PEMRA Ordinance 2002 as amended by PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007, without any show cause notice in the public interest along with other enabling provisions of law,” it stated.

It warrants mention that Pemra had placed a ban on the broadcast of live speeches and press conferences of the former prime minister. The ban was overturned by the Islamabad High Court. Despite it being overturned, most news channel took the cautious approach of running Imran’s speeches with a time-delay to beep statements that migt be construed as controversial or anti-state.

Shortly after today’s order, PTI’s Fawad Chaudhry said his party would challenge the ‘unconstitutional’ ban.

However, it might not come to that as the federal government has instructed Pemra to immediately overturn the ban on Imran Khan’s speeches.