Airing false news lands 17 news channels in trouble

JournalismPakistan.com | Published 7 years ago

ISLAMABAD – Regulator PEMRA on Friday issued show-cause notices to 17 news channels for airing false news about Prime Minister Imran Khan’s meeting with Justice (Retd.) Javed Iqbal, Chairman National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

The erring channels are Geo, Dunya, Aaj, Express-News, Neo, 24 News, BOL, 7 News, Metro I, Hum News, ARY, Samaa, Public, 92 News, GNN, Channel 5, and K21.

PEMRA said that running a fake story violated its rules and the code of conduct.

The regulator said that if one channel aired breaking news, others follow and air it blindly, without verifying facts. It said that airing unverified news had become a routine.

All 17 channels are required to respond within seven days failing which action will be taken against them.

Explore Further

Journalism at a crossroads as press freedom erodes in Pakistan

December 21, 2025: Pakistan’s journalism faces growing repression through intimidation, PECA cases, economic pressure, and enforced silences, raising urgent questions about press freedom.

Matiullah Jan calls out journalist unions over cozy ties with authorities

December 20, 2025: Senior journalist Matiullah Jan criticizes journalist union leadership at an Islamabad conference, calling for reform, youth inclusion, and a stronger collective response to Pakistan’s media crisis.

Tarar says Rs86 crore worth of government ads given to Dawn Media Group

December 20, 2025: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar says the government allocated 86 crore in ads to Dawn Media Group, stressing transparency and that media groups manage employee payments.

Islamabad court grants post-arrest bail to journalist Sohrab Barkat

December 19, 2025: Islamabad court approves post-arrest bail for journalist Sohrab Barkat in a case linked to controversial videos and tweets filed by the National Cyber Crime Agency.

JournalismPakistan cofounder Stephen Webb releases Dusk memoir

December 19, 2025: JournalismPakistan cofounder Stephen Webb releases Dusk, a poetic memoir blending memory and myth, reflecting on Punjab villages, faith, and belonging shaped by decades in journalism.

Pakistan minister flags AI impact on advertising jobs

December 18, 2025: Pakistan’s information minister warns AI is disrupting advertising jobs and invites proposals to protect creative professionals, signaling an early policy debate on AI and employment.

PTI announces boycott of select TV anchors and talk shows

December 18, 2025: Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf announces a boycott of several prominent TV anchors and talk shows, directing party leaders and spokespersons to avoid appearing on the listed programs.

Pakistan to launch BEEP secure messaging app for officials

December 17, 2025: Pakistan plans to launch the BEEP secure messaging app for government officials by June 2026, modeled on WeChat, with end-to-end encryption and oversight by NITB.

Newsroom

Fully funded WPI fellowship accepting 2026 applications

December 21, 2025 Applications are now open for the World Press Institute Fellowship 2026, a fully funded nine-week U.S. journalism program for international journalists. Apply by February 15, 2026.

Reuters chief Galloni reflects on journalism challenges 2025

December 21, 2025 Reuters Editor-in-Chief Alessandra Galloni reflects on major journalism challenges of 2025, including conflict zone risks, political pressures, and the rise of AI-driven misinformation.

Algeria under scrutiny over imprisonment of French sports reporter

December 21, 2025 The detention of French sports journalist Christophe Gleizes in Algeria highlights growing concerns over press freedom, judicial pressure on reporters, and international calls for his release.

Bangladesh press freedom remains under strain beyond protests

December 21, 2025 Bangladesh journalists continue to face threats, attacks, and legal pressure beyond protests, raising concerns over newsroom safety, self-censorship, and the future of independent reporting.

Global bodies condemn attacks on journalists in Bangladesh

December 21, 2025 Global media and diplomatic bodies condemn attacks on journalists in Bangladesh, urging protection for media workers and accountability as concerns grow over press safety and shrinking civic space.