The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday directed the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) to ensure that former prime minister Imran Khan as well as the candidates of all political parties were given “free and unrestricted” access to media ahead of the forthcoming February 8 general elections.

The order was passed by Justice Shams Mehmood Mirza on a petition filed by Imran — who is currently incarcerated at Adiala Jail — last year against Pemra’s decision to bar all satellite TV channels from broadcasting his speeches and press talks.

In a written order issued today, Justice Mirza said, “[…] As the legitimacy of the elected representatives rests on people’s choice, it is self-evident that they must be provided with the best and accurate information about the candidates and political parties they are likely to make the choice from.”

Further, the LHC order observed that the government “has no right to prevent the media from covering certain candidates or political parties”.

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