The Senate’s Standing Committee on Information, Broadcasting, and National Heritage has directed the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to take strong action against the news channels which had not constituted editorial boards.
The committee, chaired by Kamil Ali Agha, discussed the ban imposed by PEMRA on ARY News’ anchorperson Dr Shahid Masood.In one of its talk-shows, aspersions were cast on the judiciary. The Supreme Court of Pakistan issued directives to PEMRA in mid-July to take action against those who were trying to malign the superior judiciary.
ARY was provided many opportunities to explain its position, but no-one turned up. After the issuance of a notice, the anchorperson was banned for 45 days. The channel was also provided an opportunity to apologise but nothing was done. PEMRAreferred the matter to the Council of Complaints.
MUHAMMAD SHOAIB,
Karachi, August 23.