Sindh High Court declares suspension of TV licenses illegal

JournalismPakistan.com | Published 4 years ago

KARACHI—Sindh High Court has declared the power of Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) chairman to suspend the licenses of television channels as illegal, Express Tribune reported.

"We declare that the powers of PEMRA under section 30 PEMRA could not be delegated to Chairman or any other official of PEMRA by dint of section 13 PEMRA ordinance for suspension of broadcast media licences without framing of rules," said the judgement by the high court.

"Henceforth, the decision of Authority to this extent conveyed by minutes dates 24th April 2020 is also declared null and void. Consequently, all action taken by Chairman pursuant to the delegated powers of suspension of broadcast licenses are struck down."

The ruling comes after a petition was filed by the Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) through advocate Faisal Siddiqui.

Dive Deeper

Why Pakistan lags as foreign broadcasters choose India

December 08, 2025: India’s fast-growing media market, regulatory flexibility, and global influence are drawing major international broadcasters, including RT India, while Pakistan struggles to attract similar investments.

Sindh lawmaker apologizes after raising false news of Moin Khan’s death

December 06, 2025: A Sindh lawmaker apologized after mistakenly announcing cricketer Moin Khan’s death in the Assembly, highlighting concerns over rising misinformation and social media rumors in Pakistan.

Pakistani journalist wins climate change reporting contest

December 04, 2025: Samaa Digital journalist Wajid Ali wins a British High Commission climate contest for his story on Pakistan’s street workers, blending faith perspectives with science to raise awareness.

AI-generated video falsely links Imran Khan sister to war comments

December 03, 2025: Prominent journalist issues warning over a fabricated deepfake video falsely claiming her Sky News interview featured a 2025 Pakistan-India war discussion, part of rising digital misinformation campaigns.

Pakistan forms commission to protect journalists and media workers

December 02, 2025: Pakistan has established an independent commission to protect journalists and media workers, aiming to strengthen press freedom, address threats, and improve welfare measures nationwide.

Hamid Mir links Sohrab Barkat's arrest to broader pressures on Pakistani media

December 01, 2025: Hamid Mir addresses criticism of his views on press freedom as he highlights the arrest of young journalist Sohrab Barkat despite a court order permitting travel abroad.

Hamid Mir defends detained journalist Sohrab Barkat

November 30, 2025: Veteran anchor Hamid Mir has publicly defended detained journalist Sohrab Barkat, questioning state actions after Barkat’s airport arrest and raising international concern over press freedoms in Pakistan.

Sohrab Barkat’s airport arrest defies court directive

November 27, 2025: Journalist Sohrab Barkatt was detained at Islamabad Airport despite a court order removing his name from the PNIL, raising concerns about rule-of-law gaps and media freedoms.

Newsroom

Hong Kong warns foreign media after deadly Tai Po fire

December 08, 2025 Hong Kong’s national security office summoned foreign media and arrested a commentator after the deadly Tai Po fire, signalling intensified control over reporting and warnings against 'false information.'

Press freedom advocates urge Middle East action ahead of Human Rights Day

December 08, 2025 Advocacy groups, including CPJ, renew calls ahead of Human Rights Day 2025 for Middle East governments to free jailed journalists and respect media rights.

Israel’s 57 November assaults on Palestinian journalists raise alarm

December 08, 2025 A report by the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate found 57 violations against Palestinian journalists in November 2025, underscoring systematic threats to press freedom.

India journalists attacked during corruption probe at RTO office

December 05, 2025 Two journalists investigating corruption at a Madhya Pradesh RTO were assaulted on November 28, prompting strong condemnation from media unions and renewed calls for stronger journalist protections.

Algerian court upholds 7-year jail term for French journalist Christophe Gleizes

December 04, 2025 An Algerian appeals court affirmed a 7-year prison sentence for French journalist Christophe Gleizes, drawing sharp international criticism and raising urgent concerns about press freedom under Algeria’s anti-terrorism laws.