PEMRA issues notices to private TV channel for spreading hatred against military

Electronic media regulator has also asked ARY News CEO to appear in person for personal hearing on June 1

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Electronic Regulatory Authority (Pemra) on Thursday issued notices to a private news channel for “casting aspersions against the Armed Forces of Pakistan".

According to Pemra, the first show cause notice was issued to ARY News for airing special transmission on Dawn Leaks report on May 10. “In the said programme, Arshad Sharif drew a comparison between withdrawal of a tweet by the ISPR and the 1971 tragedy,” said a press release. “Drawing such a comparison is highly objectionable, derogatory and amounts of lowering the morale of Pakistan Army,” it added.



A second notice was issued to the channel for “casting aspersions against Pakistan Army in its programme ‘The Reporters’ on May 16 by Arif Hameed Bhatti”. The regulator said the programme was aired in violation of a warning it issued to TV channels on May 12, directing them not to air unverified or baseless news against the armed forces or spread hatred and uncertainty.

Directing the channel’s management to file replies to both the notices by June 1, the authority has asked its chief executive officer to appear in person for the personal hearing on the said date. “In case of non-compliance, ex-parte proceedings shall be initiated against the TV channel,” it said.