Neo TV boss defiant in face of PEMRA ban

JournalismPakistan.com | Published 9 years ago

ISLAMABAD – Chaudhary Abdur Rehman, Chairman Neo TV is defiant in the face of a seven-day ban slapped on his channel by electronic media watchdog PEMRA.

“We are being punished for raising the voice of Pakistanis and the suppressed. If my channel is shut down for talking about Pakistan, I will continue to do so,” he said, addressing staff members.

He said that when “I return after the ban, I will speak out even louder for Kashmir and Pakistan. If we have to live, we will have to stand up for ourselves.”

The ban came into effect December 1 and was imposed after the channel hurled allegations against a Supreme Court judge, according to PEMRA. The organization was also fined Rs1 million.

Journalists in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad have protested the ban.

Don't Miss These

Journalists outraged over treatment of KP leaders in Punjab Assembly

December 27, 2025: Pakistani journalists condemn the treatment of a Khyber Pakhtunkhwa delegation at the Punjab Assembly, raising concerns over media ethics, inter-provincial respect, and political conduct.

10 reasons why journalism matters more in Pakistan in 2026

December 26, 2025: Despite rising threats and misinformation, journalism in Pakistan remains vital in 2026. Here are 10 reasons why independent reporting is crucial for public trust and accountability.

Media control at play on ARY News or a broadcast mishap

December 26, 2025: A video showing Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal briefly interrupted during a live ARY News interview has gone viral, prompting debate over media control and official clarifications.

Pakistani media in 2025 tested by layoffs, laws, and trust

December 25, 2025: An in-depth year-ender examining how Pakistani media navigated layoffs, legal pressure, censorship, and innovation in 2025, highlighting key reporting, risks, and what lies ahead.

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.

Newsroom

CBS News leadership defends pulling 60 Minutes prison segment

December 27, 2025 CBS News leadership defended pulling a 60 Minutes segment on an El Salvador prison, citing fairness and trust, sparking criticism over editorial independence and newsroom pressure.

Independent media outlets expand influence as trust in news erodes

December 27, 2025 Industry research highlights the growing influence of independent and niche publishers as mainstream journalism faces declining trust, revenue pressures, and fragmented audiences worldwide.

Judge blocks US detention of British anti-disinformation activist

December 26, 2025 A US federal judge blocks the detention of British anti-disinformation activist Imran Ahmed, a ruling with implications for journalists, digital rights advocates, and cross-border speech protections.

IMF and New Media Academy host media workshop in Dubai

December 26, 2025 The IMF and New Media Academy held a Dubai workshop for MENA journalists on economic reporting, social media content, and AI, highlighting regional investment in media capacity building.

Journalists face online threats after Bangladesh media attacks

December 26, 2025 Journalists in Bangladesh face rising online threats after mob attacks on media offices, amplifying fear for press freedom and safety in a tense political climate ahead of elections.