• Imran Khan has contended that Pemra exceeded its powers.
• LHC also takes up Khan’s plea seeking video appearance.
• Court asks PTI chief to remove objections and file it again.

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday reserved its verdict on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s plea seeking the suspension of the ban on the broadcast of his speeches, imposed by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra).

On Sunday, Pemra slapped a ban on the live broadcast of deposed prime minister after he heaped scorn on state institutions amid drama over his arrest from Zaman Park in the Toshakhana case. Subsequently, Khan filed a petition in the LHC for the annulment of the ban, accusing the regulatory authority of exceeding its constitutional powers by imposing the restriction.

Today, LHC’s Justice Shams Mehmood Mirza took up the plea for a hearing and inquired about the grounds of the case.

Khan’s lawyer informed the court that an earlier ban imposed by Pemra was also suspended by the Islamabad High Court.

At this, Pemra’s lawyer opposed the argument and argued that the case was in IHC’s jurisdiction and not in the LHC.

“A five-member bench has heard a case of similar nature on Monday,” the lawyer maintained while requesting the court to forward the plea to a larger bench.

At this, the LHC reserved its verdict. The verdict is expected to be announced today.

Petition seeking virtual appearance for hearings

Meanwhile, the high court also heard a separate plea filed by the PTI chief for security and permission to appear via video link in courts.

The court remarked that the individuals related to the relief sought in the petition were not even a party in the case.

At this, Khan’s lawyer Salman Safdar informed the court that some of the parties had been removed from the petition after the objections were raised on the plea.

He said that the plea had been filed on Monday and fixed for the hearing yesterday after the removal of objections.

At this, Justice Abid Aziz Sheikh remarked that the petition was very confusing.

The court asked the lawyer if they wanted foolproof security for Khan.

“Does a former prime minister get the security,” it asked.

At this, the lawyer responded positively while Justice Sheikh directed him to make corrections in the petition.

“Bring the petition after correction and the court will take it up today,” he added.