The Islamabad High Court set aside the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority’s (PEMRA) decision to fine several television channels over the alleged broadcast of hate speech during the 2017 Faizabad sit-in and directed PEMRA to reassess the matter, ensuring the channels are given a full right to a hearing.

In a 15-page verdict, Justice Raja Inaam Ameen Minhas ordered PEMRA to conduct a fresh hearing and give the channels an opportunity to present their cases before issuing a new decision.

In 2024, PEMRA had imposed a Rs 1 million fine on each channel over allegedly airing hate speech during the November 2017 protest at Faizabad Interchange. The channels challenged the penalties before the IHC, which remitted the matter to PEMRA for reconsideration in accordance with legal requirements.