PEMRA serves notice on Express News for airing provocative talk show

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 5 January 2016

PEMRA has served a notice to Express News regarding a controversial talk show hosted by Ahmed Quraishi. The authority claims the show could harm sectarian relations and diplomatic ties.

Summary

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has served a show cause notice on Express News Television for airing an "irresponsible, unprofessional, controversial and provocative" talk show.

The program @Q, hosted by Ahmed Quraishi was telecast on January 3. The authority said the program had not only upset various sects but could also affect Pakistan's diplomatic ties with friendly countries.

The notice said airing of such a program not only violated Pakistani laws and the Code of Conduct 2015 enforced by the Supreme Court, it was also in violation of Articles 19 and 19A of the Constitution.

Seeking explanation within 14 days, the notice states that in line with Sections 29 and 30 of PEMRA's Amended Act 2007, telecasting of this program falls in the category of cognizable offence. It asks why appropriate action should not be taken against them.

KEY POINTS:

• PEMRA issued a show cause notice to Express News.
• The show aired on January 3 and was deemed provocative.
• It allegedly violated Pakistani laws and the media code of conduct.
• The notice calls for an explanation within 14 days.
• Telecasting the program is classified as a cognizable offence.