PEMRA Council recommends Rs800,000 fine on ARY News

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 16 July 2016

PEMRA's Council of Complaints has recommended a hefty fine on ARY News following a complaint from Finance Minister Ishaq Dar. The allegations made during a program were deemed unproven.

Summary

ISLAMABAD - The Council of Complaints of PEMRA has recommended a fine of Rs800,000 on ARY News after hearing a complaint filed by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar.

The complaint relates to the program 'Live with Dr Shahid Masood' that the Council ruled had made allegations against the minister which could not be proven. The Council said the channel, over the course of four meetings, was given opportunity to defend themselves with proofs, which they were unable to do.

ARY News have been told to pay off the fine within 14 days and air an apology in the same program.

In the complaint filed through his legal counsel in early March, the minister said Dr. Masood conducted the program with malafide and ulterior motive of attacking his integrity and character and thereby damaging his reputation, both domestically and internationally.

The complaint said Dr. Masood's statements were utterly false and fabricated.

The program was aired in February.

KEY POINTS:

• PEMRA recommended a fine of Rs800,000 on ARY News.
• The complaint was filed by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar.
• Allegations discussed in 'Live with Dr Shahid Masood' were unproven.
• ARY News must pay the fine within 14 days and issue an apology.
• Dr. Masood's statements were claimed to be false and damaging to Dar's reputation.