PEMRA issues show cause news channels for airing derogatory remarks against judiciary, armed forces

ISLAMABAD, Apr 26 (APP):Pakistan Electronic Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) Thursday issued show cause notices to Dawn News, Channel 24 & Bol News. A show cause notice has been issued to “Dawn News” for airing unedited derogatory remarks against the Judiciary in its program “News Eye” aired on 23-04-2018 by host of the programme Meher Bukhari and guests.
Similarly, another show cause notice has been issued to “Channel 24” for airing speeches of Ex-Prime Minister, Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on 23-04-2018 containing anti judiciary content in its program “Point of View with Dr. Danish”.
Moreover, two separate show cause notices are issued to “Bol News”, one for airing slogans against the State of Pakistan as well as maligning the state institution i.e. Pakistan Army during the program titled “Aisa Nahi Chalay Ga” on 23-04-2018. Another show cause has been issued to Bol News” for airing unedited, foul language and abusive comments of one of the general public, interviewed by host Dr. Aamir Liaqat Hussain during the same program on 24-04-2018.
PEMRA has directed all the channels to show cause in writing as well as appear for personal hearing on May 2, 2018.
In case of failure in submitting reply within stipulated time and non-appearance for personal hearing, the Authority shall have the right to initiate ex-parte proceedings against the channels in pursuance of Section 27, 29, 30 of the PEMRA of PEMRA Ordinance 2002 as amended by PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007.