24 News fined Rs1m for airing comments on PM's marriage

JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 26 April 2019

24 News has been fined Rs1 million by PEMRA for discussing Prime Minister Imran Khan's marriage. The channel is required to apologize on air within a week.

Summary

ISLAMABAD – Electronic media regulator PEMRA has fined 24 News Rs1 million and directed it to air an apology for commenting on Prime Minister Imran Khan’s marriage.

The decision follows the recommendations of the Council of Complaints made in a meeting on April 24.

Khan had complained through Babar Awan & Associates against the channel which discussed Khan’s marriage in the program Najam Sethi Ke Sath.

PEMRA has directed 24 News to air the apology within seven days during primetime besides running text scrolls.

The channel also has seven days to deposit the fine.

The regulator warned the program would remain prohibited for 30 days in case of failure to comply.

24 News remained off most cable networks for a considerable time this month after Sethi spoke about Khan’s marriage and the civil-military relations.

Meanwhile, Sethi, quoting a spokesperson for 24 News, said in a tweet on Friday that the channel stands by its news, and would challenge PEMRA’s decision which was one-sided.

Key Points

PEMRA fined 24 News Rs1 million.
The fine relates to comments on PM Imran Khan's marriage.
An apology must be aired within seven days.
Failure to comply will lead to a 30-day program ban.
24 News plans to challenge the decision.

Relevant Topics

PEMRA

24 News

Imran Khan

News Fine

Media Regulation

Apology Requirement

Ask AI: Understand this story your way

AI Enabled

Dig deeper, ask anything — get instant context, background, and clarity.

Language

Format

Tone

Audience

Focus

Reading level

Length

The AI generates results based on your selected options

Your AI-generated results will appear here after you click the button.

Disclaimer: This feature is powered by AI and is intended to help readers explore and understand news stories more easily. While we strive for accuracy, AI-generated responses may occasionally be incomplete or reflect limitations in the underlying model. This feature does not represent the editorial views of JournalismPakistan. For our full, verified reporting, please refer to the original article.

Dive Deeper

Every frame at a cost: The safety crisis facing Pakistan's camerapersons

June 05, 2026: Pakistani camerapersons face serious risks covering floods, protests and attacks, often without training, protective gear or employer support.

Cybercrime, courtrooms, and newsroom cuts: What defined Pakistan media in May

May 31, 2026: May showed Pakistan's media under pressure from cybercrime enforcement, legal cases, newsroom layoffs and salary delays, plus tightened access for journalists.

Geo News reporter row sparks protest by journalists

May 24, 2026: Journalists walked out of the Parliament press gallery after claims that a Geo News reporter was barred from covering proceedings after questioning Bilawal.

Journalist Muhammad Saad released after weeks in custody

May 23, 2026: Journalist Muhammad Saad was released after weeks in custody in a counterterrorism case; he thanked supporters and said he would not comment on the legal matter.

Journalists, media workers in KP protest layoffs, salary delays

May 16, 2026: KP journalists protested over unpaid salaries and forced layoffs, demanding stronger labor protections and that state advertising be linked to clearing dues.

Sindh journalist faces terrorism FIR over criticism

May 10, 2026: Journalist Imtiaz Chandio faces a terrorism FIR in Sindh after social media criticism of the SPSC, prompting concerns over use of penal laws against journalists.

IFJ report highlights systemic pressure on Pakistan media

May 04, 2026: The IFJ says Pakistan's media faces systemic decline amid rising legal pressure, PECA 2025 changes, NCCIA enforcement, violence and worsening economic conditions.

PNP quiz drives nationwide press freedom awareness

May 04, 2026: PNP announced winners of its World Press Freedom Day Quiz 2026, a nationwide initiative to strengthen media literacy and awareness of press freedom.

Newsroom

KUJ condemns Aik News layoffs, seeks reinstatement

June 06, 2026 Karachi Union of Journalists condemned layoffs at Aik News, demanded reinstatement and authorities' intervention, and warned of growing job insecurity and unpaid salaries.

Why publishers want AI companies to pay

June 06, 2026 Publishers want AI firms to pay for using their news to train models and power chatbots, arguing they deserve licensing fees and stronger copyright protection.

Amar Guriro: Journalism's future is human-AI partnership

June 05, 2026 Amar Guriro, founder of Pakistan's first AI-powered news platform, says journalism's future rests on human-AI collaboration to improve reporting while preserving editorial oversight.

The JournalismPakistan Global Media Brief | Edition 23 | June 5, 2026

June 05, 2026 Global Media Brief reviews pressures reshaping journalism, press freedom, AI and platform power, and reports BBC's Emmy, 60 Minutes turmoil and Taiwan's protest.

As AI reshapes news, publishers seek a sustainable future

June 05, 2026 At the World News Media Congress in Marseille, publishers discussed how generative AI is altering newsroom workflows, audience engagement and content licensing.