JournalismPakistan.com | Published March 27, 2017
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD – Electronic media watchdog PEMRA Monday ordered BOL News anchor Aamir Liaquat to apologize unconditionally to all individuals in his program by specifically naming each of them against whom he made hate comments.
A fine of Rs1 million was also imposed on the channel which has also been asked to “ensure that text to the same effect is also scrolled/displayed on the screen during the entire program wherein Aamir Liaquat apologizes to viewers.”
The apology will have to be aired on or before March 31 during the same time slot of the program, the regulator said.
PEMRA also directed that BOL submits an affidavit by March 31 “assuring the authority that no hate speech or any content in violation of Electronic Media (Programmes and Advertisements) Code of Conduct 2015, notified by the Federal Government on the orders of the Supreme Court shall be aired in future.”
PEMRA said that in the case of non-compliance, Aamir Liaquat would be banned from April 1, 2017, till such time its orders are complied with.
A joint meeting of the Councils of Complaints Sindh and Lahore held earlier gave its recommendations about the anchor and his program Aisay Nahi Chalay Ga. The Supreme Court had ordered the joint sitting.
The Councils had held a marathon hearing in Islamabad on March 10 that lasted nine hours and later reserved their recommendations.
Among the complainants present at that joint session were Najam Sethi, Talat Hussain, Imtiaz Alam, Imran Aslam, Shahzeb Khanzada, Murtaza Solangi, Shahrukh Hassan, Beena Sarwar (via Skype) and Jibran Nasir.
Respondent Aamir Liaquat was also there along with his chief counsel Raja Rizwan Abbasi and his legal team. Aamir and his lawyers presented their point of view separately to the Councils.
April 30, 2025: Freedom of expression in Pakistan is under threat, as the 2025 Freedom Network report reveals increased arrests, censorship, and legal restrictions following amendments to PECA, posing serious risks to journalists and democratic values.
April 30, 2025: Dawn has criticized the Indian media's calls for war and condemned the banning of 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, urging a rational response after the Pahalgam attack that left 26 dead.
April 28, 2025: India has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including major news outlets and individual journalists, following the deadly Pahalgam attack. Tensions escalate as Islamabad demands a neutral probe.
April 23, 2025: Pakistani journalists respond in unison to a post hinting at a possible Indian military strike. Citing the 2019 ‘Swift Retort,’ they warn of a stronger response if provoked again.
April 21, 2025: After being expelled from PTI, MNA Sher Afzal Marwat launches personal attacks on journalists and Aleema Khan, sparking outrage on social media over his offensive remarks.
April 21, 2025: Journalist Sanaullah Khan reveals that the FIA has launched a financial crackdown on YouTubers by freezing the bank accounts of journalists and their family members—raising serious concerns over freedom of expression and legal process.
April 20, 2025: Dr. Nauman Niaz launched his fifteenth book, In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple and Triple Centuries 1876–2025, at an elegant Islamabad event, reflecting on cricket’s rarest feats and his journey as a scholar of the game.
April 11, 2025: Sindhi journalist AD Shar was brutally murdered in Khairpur, Sindh. His body was found dumped on Handiyari Link Road. PFUJ has declared a three-day mourning period and demanded justice.
April 23, 2025 Discover Dr. Nauman Niaz’s In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple & Triple Centuries 1876–2025, a profound exploration of cricket's most monumental innings, blending historical analysis with poetic narrative.
April 22, 2025 Once a beacon of hope for Pakistan's cricket revival, the Pakistan Super League now grapples with stagnation and moral compromises. Can this cultural symbol reclaim its lost soul?
April 21, 2025 An Italian newspaper, Il Foglio, successfully published a month-long AI-written insert and praised its irony and analytical abilities, while affirming that AI will complement—not replace—quality journalism.
April 03, 2025 The International Press Institute (IPI) and International Media Support (IMS) invite nominations for the 2025 World Press Freedom Hero and Free Media Pioneer Awards. Recognizing courageous journalists and innovative media, the awards will be presented at IPI’s 75th-anniversary World Congress in Vienna. Submit your nominations by April 30, 2025.
April 01, 2025 Photojournalist Suresh Rajak was burned alive while covering a violent protest in Kathmandu. The IFJ and its affiliates condemn the attack and call for an urgent investigation to hold the perpetrators accountable.