JournalismPakistan.com
July 16, 2016

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.