ISLAMABAD – Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Athar Minallah onMonday raised concerns over former prime minister and PTI Chairman ImranKhan’s statement passed at a rally in Faisalabad yesterday.
The IHC chief justice made these remarks during a hearing against thePakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority’s (PEMRA) order prohibitingtelevision channels from airing Khan’s speeches live.
Imran on Sunday lashed out at the PPP and the PML-N — major coalitionpartners in the incumbent government — saying both parties were opposingsnap elections because they wanted to “appoint an army chief of theirchoice” in November to save their skin in corruption cases.
At the last hearing, the IHC CJ had suspended the order till September 5and observed that the regulatory authority “does not have the authority” toissue such orders.
Barrister Ali Zafar represented Khan during today’s hearing and arepresentative of PEMRA was also present to apprise the court of theregulator’s stance.
After hearing the arguments of both sides, the court wrapped up the case.
At one point during the hearing, referring to Imran’s statements at theFaisalabad rally, the IHC CJ asked: “How can you say in public whether anarmy chief is a patriot or not?”
Justice Minallah said that the armed forces personnel were getting martyred“and you [Imran] are bringing their morale down”.
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He also asked the PTI counsel as to why [his party] was harmingconstitutional institutions. “You will only invite difficulties as a resultof your statements,” he said.
“Did you hear Imran Khan’s speech from yesterday? Do political leadersdeliver such speeches? Will everything be put at stake just for the sake ofa ‘Game of Thrones’?” the IHC CJ asked, making a reference to the populartelevision drama in which nine noble families wage war against each otherto gain control over a mythical land.
IHC CJ Minallah said that the armed forces lay their lives for the nationand in a case where someone is involved in illegal activity, everyoneshould not be criticised over it.
“Hold yourself accountable for your actions. You [Khan] want to issuestatements as per your wishes and don’t want the regulator to do its job?”
Following this, the IHC, in light of the rulings of the Supreme Court,asked PEMRA to regulate the speeches of Khan and wrapped up the case filedby the PTI chairman.
