Court restores 24 News license, orders immediate resumption of transmission
JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 7 July 2020
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The Lahore High Court reinstated 24 News's license, suspending PEMRA's decision that had taken the channel off-air. The court mandated immediate resumption of its broadcast.Summary
LAHORE—The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday ordered restoring the license of the 24 News Television and suspended the order of Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory (PEMRA) that had put the channel off-air since last Friday.
According to 24 News, the court also ordered an immediate resumption of the channel's transmission. It rejected the regulator's request not to issue a stay order to the network.
The court has sought a reply from the federal government, the regulator, and other stakeholders by Wednesday.
A large number of journalists and lawyers were present at the court during the hearing.
On Monday, the regulator shut down the channel for criticizing the government.
PEMRA, while suspending the license, said 24 News had not complied with its order to switch to its original programming of entertainment.
In a notification, the regulator stated that Value TV holding license for entertainment content was persistently, illegally, and unlawfully airing news and current affairs in violation of PEMRA laws.
PEMRA said, 24 News was provided ample opportunities to revert to its original content.
KEY POINTS:
- Lahore High Court restored 24 News's license.
- PEMRA had shut down the channel for criticism of the government.
- Immediate resumption of transmission was ordered by the court.
- Court rejected PEMRA's request to deny a stay order.
- Federal government and stakeholders must respond by Wednesday.
