Pemra fines channel over derogatory remarks

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) has imposed a fine of Rs100,000 on Geo News over ‘derogatory remarks’ directed at Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman in one of its programme on February 12.

In a statement, Pemra said two guests, Ijaz Mehmand and Nisar Mehmand, in the show, called Achakzai and Maulana Fazl “ghaddar” (traitors).

On February 17, Pemra issued a show-cause notice to the TV channel directing the management to give an explanation. Afterwards, examining the written reply, it was found that the words used in the programme were in violation of Clauses 3 (1) (f), 4(10), 17, 22 and 23 of the Electronic Media Code of Conduct 2015.

Pemra asked the channel to ensure that text to the same effect was displayed on screen during the entire programme in which the anchor apologises.

The regulatory authority has also warned the channel to be vigilant in its selection of guests for talk show and to brief them about the code of conduct. In case of non-compliance, the authority would proceed for revocation of its licence under Section 30 of Pemra Ordinance 2002 as amended by Pemra (Amendment) Act 2007.