Pakistan Press Foundation
18 Feb 2025

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) withdrew its notification requiring prior approval from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) for defense analysts to participate in television programs.

The directive, issued in 2019, was challenged by retired Colonel Inamur Rahim and the Ex-Servicemen Legal Forum, who argued that it violated media freedom and the right to free speech.

During a hearing at the Islamabad High Court (IHC), Justice Babar Sattar’s bench was informed of PEMRA’s decision to revoke the notification. Justice Sattar, who presided over the case, stated that since the petitioners were satisfied with the withdrawal, further legal proceedings were unnecessary, effectively closing the case.

On December 19, 2024, the IHC suspended the notification by PEMRA.