Sindh High Court declares suspension of TV licenses illegal

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 16 August 2021

The Sindh High Court declared PEMRA chairman's power to suspend TV licenses illegal. This decision nullifies past suspensions and impacts media governance.

Summary

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.

KEY POINTS:

• Sindh High Court ruling on TV license suspensions
• PEMRA's delegated powers deemed illegal
• Pakistan Broadcasters Association initiated the petition
• Past suspensions declared null and void
• Impact on future media regulations in Pakistan