Lahore - All Pakistan Newspaper Society (APNS) has expressed deep concern at the harsh decision by Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) for taking Din News Channel and Neo News Channel off air for airing a false news item involving a Supreme Court judge.

In a joint statement issued by President Sarmad Ali and Secretary General Umer Mujib Shami, APNS said that the Honorable Supreme Court of Pakistan has already taken cognisance of the matter and the said channels have tendered their unconditional apologies in the apex court. They have also publically retracted the said news and have pleaded before the court that the mistake was unintentional. The Pemra therefore should withdraw its notification and should wait for final decision by the Supreme Court in this matter, it said.

The statement added there was no doubt that all news organisations should take special care and exercise extreme caution while airing any news which could affect the integrity and impartiality of the judges of the superior courts.

The news organisations should implement adequate editorial controls to eliminate the chances of such transgressions.

However, it said, it must be emphasised at the same time that mistakes committed by one or two employees should not result in penalising hundreds of other personnel. Taking any news channel off air for such prolonged period not only threatens the very existence of the news organisation but also puts in jeopardy the livelihood of hundreds of workers.