The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ordered the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to present the original noting file upon which the eligibility of a defence analyst is processed and recommended.

Hearing a petition filed by Colonel (retd) Inamul Rahim Advocate, who challenged PEMRA’s April 4, 2019 notification, Justice Babar Sattar questioned the legal standing of Inter Service Public Relations (ISPR) over their exclusive right to determine which defence analyst can appear on Pakistan TV.

The April 4, 2019, notification stated that retired army officers could analyse defence matters on television news and current affairs programmes after obtaining ISPR clearance.

The Islamabad court asked PEMRA’s counsel what the military media wing has to do with the pre-clearance of defence analysts with Pakistan’s sovereignty and how PEMRA can impose a prior restraint on speech.

Citing section 20 of the PEMRA ordinance, the Counsel said that the provision assures responsibility of TV channels to protect national security, integrity and sovereignty.

However, the case was adjourned until November 20.