PEMRA seeks explanation from Dunya News for airing objectionable content

JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 23 September 2016

PEMRA has taken action against Dunya News for airing controversial content in a recent program. The notice demands an explanation regarding the broadcast.

Summary

ISLAMABAD – Electronic media’s watchdog PEMRA has issued a show cause notice to Dunya News for airing a video featuring anti-Pakistan slogans in its program ‘On the Front’, hosted by Kamran Shahid.

The notice was served following a complaint filed by Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf leader Khurram Sher Zaman. He pointed out in his complaint that several news channels had aired the anti-state slogans by MQM leaders in London, especially Wasay Jalil and Nadeem Nusrat.

PEMRA said that recordings were viewed after which Dunya News was seen to be the major violator running the video for a good two minutes. The video also featured pro-Altaf Hussain slogans.

The watchdog said, it had also received several complaints from angry viewers through Twitter and its call center.

PEMRA has asked the channel to explain by September 30 why a fine of Rs10 lac not be imposed on them or the program not be be shut down.

Key Points

PEMRA issued a show cause notice to Dunya News.
The program 'On the Front' featured anti-Pakistan slogans.
Complaints were filed by PTI leader Khurram Sher Zaman.
Dunya News aired the video for approximately two minutes.
PEMRA has requested a response by September 30 to avoid penalties.

Relevant Topics

PEMRA

Dunya News

Media Regulation

Anti-Pakistan

Show Cause Notice

Kamran Shahid

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.

One week, five warnings: What recent incidents reveal about press freedom in Pakistan

June 08, 2026: Five incidents in one week - including a journalist's killing, disappearance reports, a re-arrest, threatened arrests and channel layoffs - expose growing threats to press freedom in Pakistan.

GNN journalist reported missing in Islamabad

June 07, 2026: GNN journalist Yasir Ayaz Khan has been reported missing in Islamabad after leaving home around 5 pm on June 5; the channel filed a complaint, and police have opened a probe.

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.

Newsroom

Punjab government warns Irshad Bhatti of legal action

June 08, 2026 Punjab government warned journalist Irshad Bhatti of legal action after he alleged misuse of public funds on beautification projects, calling the claims baseless.

Press freedom review: The cost of reporting the news

June 07, 2026 Press Freedom Tracker reports mounting threats to journalists worldwide, from violence and disappearances to legal pressure and restrictions undermining media.

Visa delays raise concerns for World Cup media access

June 07, 2026 Visa processing delays could stop some journalists reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup on time, raising calls for swift coordination between FIFA and host nations.

AI hallucination: When machines confidently generate false information

June 07, 2026 AI hallucinations occur when generative models invent false or misleading information and present it confidently, creating verification risks for journalism.

Rights council condemns FIA action against journalist Razi Tahir

June 07, 2026 Rights Council of Pakistan condemned an alleged unannounced attempt to arrest journalist Razi Tahir and urged authorities to respect due process and protect press freedom.