Pakistan: Ban issued against live telecast of Imran Khan's speeches 

Pakistan's media watchdog has banned live television broadcast of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's speeches. The ban was issued on Saturday night (August 20) and came into effect immediately. Khan had held a rally in Pakistani capital Islamabad on the same day. He criticised police officials and judiciary during the rally over the arrest of one of his party leaders.

Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has issued notice to television channels saying Khan was leveling "baseless allegations and spreading hate speech".

"His provocative statements against state institutions and officers... is likely to disturb public peace and tranquility," it added.

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Imran Khan is set to hold a rally in Rawalpindi on Sunday night.

Khan swept into power in 2018 thanks to an electorate weary of the dynastic politics of the country's two major parties, with the popular former sports star promising to sweep away decades of entrenched corruption and cronyism.

Even after he was ousted from power, he remains popular. His speeches have been drawing top ratings on television. Highlights of the speeches trend on social media in Pakistan.

Saturday night's protest followed the arrest of a senior leader from Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, who authorities alleged had made anti-military remarks on a TV channel that was subsequently suspended.

Criticising the military -- which has ruled Pakistan for roughly half its 75-year history -- is considered a red line.

(With inputs from agencies)