Hate speech: SC upholds PEMRA ban against Bol TV show

Bol TV management asked to respond to the Pemra notice

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court has upheld the electronic media watchdog’s prohibitory orders against a Bol TV programme hosted by Amir Liaquat Hussain.

On Wednesday, a three-judge bench hearing Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority’s plea against the Sindh High Court’s January 27 order, raised questions over the number of contempt notices issued by the high court.

The court, while setting aside the contempt of court notices issued by the Sindh High Court (SHC) against Pemra, wondered how the high court could give different relief on miscellaneous applications in one case.

Bol TV management has also been asked to respond to the Pemra notice for airing the programme which was “expounding hate speech” against several activists and journalists.

The court, however, observed that the channel could approach the high court in separate appeals against Pemra’s orders.

The court also revived an earlier show-cause notice issued by Pemra to the channel for not having security clearance for its directors from the interior ministry.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 9^th, 2017.