Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) Thursday imposed a ban on Tajzia, a BOL TV talk show hosted by journalist Sami Ibrahim for airing the controversial statements of Imran Khan.
According to the details, the PEMRA notice reads that “the statements that Khan gave at the show gravely threatened the national security, independence, sovereignty, integrity, and ideology of the country and it is a clear violation of Article 19 of the constitution, PEMRA Ordinance, Electronic Media Code of Conduct (2015).
Read more: PEMRA bans scenes of hugs, caress between on-screen couples
To clarify, Article 19 states that, “every citizen shall have the right to freedom of speech and expression, and there shall be freedom of the press, subject to any reasonable restrictions imposed by law in the interest of the glory of Islam or the integrity, security or defense of Pakistan or any part, therefore, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality, or in relation to contempt of court, or incitement to an offense.”
The move sparked condemnation for PEMRA on social media. Netizens criticized PEMRA for being biased. However, PEMRA later issued a clarification that it only banned the airing of Imran Khan’s statements.
PEMRA has banned Sami Ibrahim's program on bol news what a biased decision pic.twitter.com/JNR2sSneaB
— Syed Ashar Ali (@SAsharAli) June 2, 2022
Imran Khan’s statement on Establishment causes storm
In an interview with Sami Ibrahim, former Prime Minister Imran Khan said that the establishment needs to make the right decisions and if they don’t, “the army will be destroyed”.
“If the establishment doesn’t make the right decisions then I can assure you in writing that the army and they will be destroyed. Pakistan is going towards default. If the right decisions aren’t made, then the country will be on a suicidal path,” Imran Khan said.
Needless to say, his statements caused quite the storm in Pakistan. The PDM coalition came out condemning Imran Khan’s statement. PPP co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari said, “No one can talk about fragmenting Pakistan. This is not that language of a Pakistani but that of [Indian PM] Modi.”
Read more: Don’t cross limits: PM Shehbaz’s strict warning to Imran Khan
Meanwhile, Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique demanded Imran Khan to elaborate on what right decisions the “army” needed to make. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif even warned former Prime Minister Imran Khan to not cross limits and talk about Pakistan’s division.
“While I am in Turkey inking agreements, Imran Niazi is making naked threats against the country. If at all any proof was needed that Niazi is unfit for public office, his latest interview suffices. Do your politics but don’t dare to cross limits & talk about the division of Pakistan,” the premier hit back.
While I am in Turkey inking agreements, Imran Niazi is making naked threats against the country. If at all any proof was needed that Niazi is unfit for public office, his latest interview suffices. Do your politics but don't dare to cross limits & talk about division of Pakistan.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) June 2, 2022