ISLAMABAD: Federal Information and Broadcasting Minister Pervaiz Rasheed on Friday rejected the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) demand for live telecast of Imran Khan’s address to the nation on Pakistan Television (PTV).
“Only President and Prime Minister have the right to address the nation on state television,” Rasheed said.
“If we allow one member to use PTV for his address, we will have to give this opportunity to more than 400 members,” he said. “If all are allowed to do so, there will be no end to speeches throughout the year,” he added.
He suggested Imran Khan to approach independent media for this purpose. “Media is independent. Imran Khan can address a news conference,” he said. Rashid recalled that Imran Khan used to make live addresses during his sit-in.
PTV Chairman Ata ul Haq Qasmi also rejected the PTI’s demand and said, “It is beyond my mandate to allow opposition to address the nation on state-run television.”
