The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on Wednesday imposed a fine of Rs. 100,000 on Geo News for airing remarks against senior politicians and parliamentarians, said a press release by the regulatory authority.
Two guests, Ijaz Mehmand and Nisar Mehmand, in the show hosted by anchorperson Salim Safi, called Achakzai and Maulana Fazl “traitors”, the communiqué added.
On 17 February, PEMRA had issued a show-cause notice to the TV channel directing the management to give an explanation.
According to the statement, the channel is further directed to ensure that text to the same effect is displayed on screen during the entire programme in which Safi apologises.
Later, after examining the written reply, it was found out 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.
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.
On account of airing of the violation of Electronic Media Code of Conduct 2015, the TV channel is not only fined but its management and the anchorperson both are directed to tender an apology during the same time slot of the programme Jirga on May 13 by specifically naming the PkMAP and JUI-F leaders.
In case of non-compliance, PEMRA shall proceed for revocation of its licence under Section 30 of PEMRA Ordinance 2002 as amended by PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007.
