PEMRA bans Dr. Shahid Masood's program for 30 days, BOL fined Rs1 million

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published February 14, 2017

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority’s Council of Complaints, Sindh has recommended a ban on Dr. Shahid Masood’s program for 30 days and a fine of Rs1million on BOL News for making baseless allegations against the Army and the finance and defense ministers.

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar had complained to PEMRA about the program 'Live with Dr. Shahid Masood' aired on January 24 in which “libelous and defamatory statements were made to damage the Finance Minister’s personality and character”.

Separately the minister served a Rs1 billion legal notice on BOL News and Dr. Masood. A statement from his ministry said he made “a completely false statement hinting to an alleged meeting between Finance Minister, Defense Minister and Rawalpindi (“GHQ”), whereas, no such meeting had taken place at all.”

The Council said BOL was given two opportunities to defend themselves but they could not do so and failed to produce any evidence.

“The content aired thereof was deemed as a willful attempt to misinform the viewers through fabricated stories,” the Council said.

It said that official PEMRA records confirm that Dr. Masood is a willful and repeat violator of the Code of Conduct and has been trying to create sensationalism through his irresponsible, untrue and derogatory comments against individuals and state institutions.

Following up on the decision, the management of his new employers NewsOne TV has been conveyed the decision. The ban came into effect on February 13.

Even a win can't hide Pakistan's structural collapse in cricket

 June 11, 2025:  Pakistan celebrated a narrow win over Bangladesh, but beneath the jubilation lies a deeper crisis—from sidelined veterans to a collapsing domestic structure—signaling an urgent need for cricket reform.

Journalists stage walkout at post-budget briefing over government's dismissive attitude

 June 11, 2025:  Journalists walked out of the post-budget press conference in Islamabad to protest the absence of a technical briefing and the government's dismissive behavior, calling it unacceptable and intolerable.

Legal storm brews as Dr. Nauman Niaz serves defamation notice on Shoaib Akhtar

 May 31, 2025:  Dr. Nauman Niaz has issued a defamation notice to Shoaib Akhtar over derogatory remarks made during a recent broadcast, reigniting a longstanding media feud between the two prominent figures in Pakistan.

HRCP urges complete repeal of PECA, citing threats to free speech and civil liberties

 May 30, 2025:  The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has demanded the full repeal of PECA, citing its vague language, coercive powers, and threats to free speech and digital rights in Pakistan.

PFUJ condemns murder of journalist Syed Mohammad Shah, urges immediate justice

 May 30, 2025:  The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned the murder of journalist Syed Mohammed Shah in Jacobabad, calling for urgent justice and improved safety for media professionals in Sindh.

State within a state? Police block reinstated Jang employees from resuming duties

 May 26, 2025:  In Rawalpindi, police allegedly side with Jang Group to block 66 reinstated employees from resuming work despite court orders, drawing sharp criticism from unions and press freedom advocates.

PFUJ slams Jang Group's 'economic massacre' after mass firing of over 80 workers

 May 25, 2025:  PFUJ condemns the Jang Group's decision to dismiss over 80 employees in Rawalpindi, calling it an 'economic massacre.' The union warns of nationwide protests if workers are not reinstated.

Labor rights trampled: Daily Jang defies court, terminates over 80 employees

 May 25, 2025:  Daily Jang Rawalpindi has terminated over 80 employees, including female staff, despite multiple court rulings in their favor—raising concerns over labor rights violations and misuse of authority in Pakistani media.