Pakistan: Islamabad High Court gives big relief to Imran Khan, lifts ban on live speeches

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has given a big relief to PTI President Imran Khan. The court has suspended the orders of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) banning the live telecast of Imran's speeches. PTI had moved the IHC for the live telecast of the former prime minister's international telethon for the flood victims.

The ban was imposed after threatening the officers

Last week, Pemra banned the telecast of the PTI president's live speeches on all satellite TV channels over Imran's controversial remarks against police officers and a woman judge. On August 20, while addressing a rally in Islamabad to express solidarity with party leader Shahbaz Gill, who is facing trial in the sedition case, Imran warned the judiciary against its "partisan" approach.

Instructions to appoint Pemra as an officer

IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah said the watchdog had misused its authority and directed Pemra to appoint an officer who could justify the ban in court, according to the publication.

Flood wreaks havoc in Pakistan

Meanwhile, Pakistan is grappling with a humanitarian crisis. Deadly floods have ravaged the country, affecting 15 percent of its population. According to official figures, more than 1,000 people have lost their lives so far, while 1,527 people have been injured in the rains and floods since June 14. So far 3,451.5 km of road has been damaged and 149 bridges have collapsed across Pakistan. In addition, a total of 949,858 houses have been partially or destroyed. While 7,19,558 animals have also died. Pak has also sought help from India due to the floods.