ISLAMABAD: PEMRA Authority, in its 110th meeting held today approved imposition of Rs. 200,000/- fine, each on Geo Kahani and ARY News Channels.

According to the issued press release, authority ordered both the channels to deposit fine by March 14 and air apology in the same manner and magnitude during prime time (6.00 p.m to 1.00 a.m) and during repeat transmission and also in the form of tickers, or else, transmission of both TV channels be suspended.

Fine on Geo Kahani has been imposed for airing objectionable language used by Dr. Aamir Liaquat, whereas, a fine on ARY News has been imposed for airing objectionable remarks of a participant Zaid Hamid in a talk show “Sawal Yeh Hai” hosted by Dr. Danish dated December 12, 2015. The imposition of fines was recommended by the Council of Complaints, Karachi in its 28th meeting held on February 9, 2016.

In pursuance to its mandate of promoting education, the Authority approved grant of Non-Commercial FM Radio to Information Technology University, Lahore. Before this, PEMRA has granted 47 non-commercial FM licenses including major universities and colleges offering media related studies.

Analyzing the demand and requirement for more FM radios in various uncovered parts of the country, the Authority also deliberated on proposal for launching Phase IX of FM radio licensing.

Discussing, the menace of re-enactment programs, crime shows and intrusion to public privacy along with Police and TV cameras, the Authority resolved that no such programs shall be tolerated which are against the Code of Ethics, orders of the superior Courts and socio-cultural values of the society. In this regard, the Authority delegated powers to the Chairman PEMRA to take any appropriate action to address the issue.

Chairman PEMRA Absar Alam, Secretary Ministry of Information Broadcasting & National Heritage Mr. Imran Gardezi, Chairman PTA Dr. Ismail Shah, Mr. Sarfraz Jatoi (Member, Sindh), Mrs. Nargis Nasir (Member Punjab) and Mrs. Shaheen Habibullah (Member Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) were present in the meeting.