Complaint against Geo: PEMRA took decision according to regulations, says govt spokesperson

Spokesperson says defence ministry reserves right to appeal against decision as permissible under rules.

A spokesperson of the federal government has expressed discontent at the impression created by some media reports regarding the decision of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) to suspend the license of Geo News on the complaint of the Ministry of Defence.

In an official statement issued on Saturday, the spokesperson said Pemra took the decision under relevant rules and regulations, and speculation about any malafide intention or intervention from any quarters was totally misleading and contrary to facts.

He added that both the government and the nation held the country’s army and other defence and state institutions in high esteem, and that any attempt to involve these institutions in controversies was unnecessary. He urged media to show greater responsibility.

The spokesperson also said that the Rs10 million fine imposed on Geo News was the maximum penalty allowed under PEMRA Ordinance 2002 (amended in 2007), fixed during Pervez Musharraf’s government. He added that the present government has made no amendment in this ordinance.

However, he said the defence ministry reserves the right to appeal against the decision as permissible under rules.

The spokesperson added that the government firmly believes in the freedom of expression and would never take any steps to obstruct it.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 8^th, 2014.