Standing Committee urges PEMRA to unblock BOL transmission

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 9 June 2015

The Senate Standing Committee on Information urges PEMRA to retract its order to block BOL News. Members advocate for freedom of expression amidst ongoing media controversies.

Summary

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting Tuesday urged Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to withdraw its notice of blocking transmission of BOL News Television.
 
Members of the committee advised the government to stay away from BOL News controversy as it was a ‘corporate war’ among different media houses.
 
Secretary Information informed the committee members that the government took action against BOL News in public and national interest.
 
“The government should probe the allegations against Axact but refrain from blocking transmission of  BOL as it is tantamount to attack on freedom of expression and freedom of speech,” said chairman of the committee Senator Kamil Ali Agha (pictured).
 
The committee members unanimously decided to take up the BOL issue in the next meeting too as they still need to learn more about the controversy.

KEY POINTS:

• Senate Committee advises PEMRA to unblock BOL News transmission.
• Members highlight the corporate nature of the BOL controversy.
• Secretary Information mentions government actions are in public interest.
• Chairman Kamil Ali Agha stresses the importance of free speech.
• Committee plans to discuss BOL issues in the next meeting.