Pakistan

PEMRA ban on anchorman lawful, says IHC

“Examination of the words of Dr Shahid Masood in the programme in question shows that no name was taken"

Our Correspondent September 22, 2016

“Examination of the words of Dr Shahid Masood in the programme in question shows that no name was taken, however, it is evident and clear that the opinion/remarks were referred to the honorable chief justice Sindh high Court,” judgment reads. PHOTO: Shahid Masood/Twitter

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has dismissed a petition filed by ARY news against the imposition of 45-day ban on one of its anchorpersons, Dr Shahid Masood.

Justice Aamer Farooq, after hearing the arguments of counsel for the channel and Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra), reserved the order on the petition on September 7. In his judgment, Justice Farooq held that the petition was not maintainable as the Pemra’s action was lawful and in accordance with observations made by the superior judiciary.

IHC rejects ARY plea to unban Dr Shahid Masood's TV show

“Examination of the words of Dr Shahid Masood in the programme in question shows that no name was taken, however, it is evident and clear that the opinion/remarks were referred to the honorable chief justice Sindh high Court,” judgment reads.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 22^nd, 2016.

COMMENTS (7)

Raghu | 8 years ago | Reply @bashgul: If the name of the person is not taken but is very obvious then the person should be punished. For e.g. If a Judge takes suo moto on a lady carrying wine bottles. And the Anchor says that suo moto is left for wine bottles only and not for other major issues. That will make a direct link. Coz no such situation has come about before in Pak history.

farhan | 8 years ago | Reply Raising awareness of corruption and in these difficult times is a big thing by Dr. Shahid Masood. Don't ask the anchorman if he can cure these ills. Acceptance by the government that no matter ruling is more important than blatant corruption speaks volumes of lack of justice in the country.

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Zeehsan | 8 years ago | Reply if court will start giving orders / judgements on basis of implied meaning and reading between the lines then half of the country would tried under Article 6. This is Joke.. Every day Pak politicians abuse and blame Judiciary and Pak Army and Govt for that matter in their talk shows n statements.. All of them should be banned and action should be taken thereon.

SB | 8 years ago | Reply Dr Shahid is at best a self proclaimed conspiracy theorist

bashgul | 8 years ago | Reply Wow, now people can read your intentions, even if you do not name anyone.

Raghu | 8 years ago | Reply I support Dr.Shahid but I also support the action. Media should have its limitations.

Jalbani Baloch | 8 years ago | Reply I don't think Mr. Shahid Masoud is a journalist. He is a doctor by profession and unfortunately journalism is a field in Pakistan, which can be opted and adopted without any certification. if anyone, who has seen the programs being conducted by Mr. Shahid Masoud, he would be convinced that Mr. Masoud is not a professional journalist who lacks wisdom, knowledge, diagnostic approach and assessment of the situation. He seems to be a paid journalist and break the stories which are fed to him by the powerful mafia in Pakistan. The PEMRA should introduce new by-laws, where the anchors must possess university degree in journalism, as they represent their country and show its face to the people around the globe.

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