ISLAMABAD -  The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on Friday directed Bol News to air apology in the same manner before November 24 for airing derogatory remarks about the Pakistani passport in Hamza Ali Abbasi’s programme “HQ Debate” on September 5.

A statement issued by the PEMRA said that a fine of Rs0.1 million (payable within three weeks) has also been imposed on the TV channel for hurting millions of Pakistanis’ feelings with such anti-Pakistan remarks.

The regulator has also provided a statement of apology to the TV channel to be aired in this regard. In case of non-compliance, the authority will move against the licencee under Section 30 of PEMRA Ordinance 2002 (Amendment Act 2007), it said.