Islamabad, Nov 29: Restrictions on Pakistani TV channels clamped on November 3 after the proclamation of emergency and the imposition of the PCO have been challenged in the Supreme Court.

Petitioner Qazi Sheharryar Iqbal urged the court that the blocked TV channels should be allowed to start their normal operations.

The petition was filed under Article 184(3) of the Constitution, making the Federation of Pakistan and Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) as respondents.

He stated that the off airing of the channels had subverted the freedom of speech, expression, information and free media choice of a large number of people of Pakistan and even abroad.

The petitioner stated that the amendment for its deleterious and damaging character and being not in conformity with the present day values had invoked deep resentment, protest and condemnation from the media bodies and others both within and outside the country.

The petitioner has challenged the promulgation of the Ordinance, LXV of 2007 whereby the provisions of the PEMRA Ordinance, 2002 were further amended.

He urged the court to strike down the provisions of sections 20 and 33 of the ordinance of 2002 and other provisions putting unreasonable restrictions on the freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under the Constitution.

The petitioner also prayed to the court to declare any restriction or fiscal imposition on the manufacture or import of any electronic media equipment was without lawful authority and of no legal effect, The News reported. (ANI)