ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Monday stopped Bol TV management from airing Amir Liaquat Hussain’s show.
The court also warned the channel’s management if it does not stop the show then contempt proceedings will be initiated.
A three-member bench, headed by Justice Amir Hani Muslim took up PEMRA’s plea against the Sindh High Court’s January 27 order in favour of Bol TV management. PEMRA Chairman Absar Alam also appeared before the court.
The regularity authority said that they have received hundreds of complaints regarding the contents of Amir Liaqat’s show. The complaints contended that the host is making unfounded and baseless allegations against ‘activists’ and ‘journalists’.
The regularity authority on January 26 issued a Prohibition Order under Section 27 of the 2002 Ordinance whereby TV management was directed to prohibit from broadcasting or re-broadcasting the show and ensure that the host is not permitted to appear on any show.
However, Bol TV proceeded to air the programme, therefore, the regularity authority was compelled to issue a show cause notice next day.
Meanwhile, the TV management on January 27 approached the high court, wherein they got relief on same day and the operation of PEMRA’s Prohibition Order was suspended.
Now, the regularity authority has challenged the SHC’s order in the SC. The petition said that PEMRA did not close transmission of Bol TV at any time. Bol TV Executive Director Usman Shahid submitted a written assurance but the bench rejected it. He assured the court that they would not air the show.
