Govt does not want to interfere in PEMRA affairs: Pervez Rashid

Pemra is an independent institution and we do not want to interfere in its affairs, the minister said.


Web Desk/APP May 21, 2014
Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Senator Pervez Rashid . PHOTO: INP/FILE

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Senator Pervez Rashid said on Wednesday that the government does not want to interfere in the affairs of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA).

Pemra is an independent institution and we do not want to interfere in its affairs, the minister said.

On Tuesday, Pemra announced that it has suspended Geo News, Geo Entertainment and Geo Tez’slicenses till May 28.

“I would like to congratulate all of Pemra’s private members for making this decision, keeping in mind Pemra’s rules and regulations as well as Pakistan’s constitution,” said Pemra private member, Mian Shams.

Confusion sparked late Tuesday evening when the government released a statement apparently from Pemra which disowned the decision by the members and claimed that Tuesday’s meeting had no legal standing.

The statement said that Tuesday’s meeting was an informal meeting attended only by five members.

“The Executive Member was not even asked to officially convene the meeting and notify it through the Secretary to the Authority which is the set procedure.”

However, a statement from PEMRA later 'disowned' the decision of the committee while also questioning the legality of the meeting.

COMMENTS (7)

Pakistani | 10 years ago | Reply

PMLN will only interfere in institutions where they have vested interests and see financial gains.

Rangoonwala | 10 years ago | Reply

Same as Sharif and his twin brother not interested in Musharraf?

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