Pemra imposes fine on Geo Channel to challenge decision

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) has imposed a fine of Rs200,000 on Geo TV channel for ‘intruding’ into privacy of individual and later telecasting the private footages on TV channel in violation of Pemra Code of Conduct. The fine has been imposed on recommendations of the Pemra Council of Complaints, Punjab, says a statement issued here by the authority.
According to details, the Lahore High Court had referred the case of a complainant, Asad Ehsan Elahi, to Pemra Council of Complaints last year for disposal of complaint under Section 26 of Pemra Act.
The Council, after providing reasonable opportunities of hearing to both complainant and the plaintiff, recommended Pemra to impose penalty on Geo TV which was subsequently endorsed by the authority.
The Council has further directed the channel to tender apology on the same programme within a period of two weeks, failing which fine could be increased and strict action for suspension of the TV channel can also be initiated.Meanwhile, a spokesman of Geo termed the Pemra decision wrong and said they would challenge it according to rules.