Pemra issues show-cause notice to TV channel

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on Thursday issued a show-cause notice to Geo News channel for airing programmes in sheer contravention to patriotism as well as in disregard to the Code of Conduct, says a press release. Geo News on 12-5-2011 around 7:56 p.m. aired a considerably derogatory song 'Kon Sacha Kon Jhuta maligning and demeaning the govt. as well as the armed forces. It is reiterated that under section 20 of PEMRA Ordinance (Amended as PEMRA Act-2007) read with clause 1(g), (h), (j), (o) and (p) of PEMRA Code of Conduct contained in PEMRA Rules-2009 and licence terms & conditions prohibit airing of any such programme. PEMRA has requested Geo News channel to immediately stop airing any programme/debate or material which is perceived against national security, sovereignty or integrity. Moreover, Geo has been asked to show cause immediately but not later than 3 days failing which legal action shall be taken against the channel for such serious and deliberate violation. Furthermore, on repeated violation, PEMRA shall be constrained to suspend transmission of the channel in exercise of relevant provisions of PEMRA laws.

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