PEMRA Council recommends Rs1 million fine on Metro-1

JournalismPakistan.com | Published 8 years ago

ISLAMABAD – The Council of Complaints (Sindh) of PEMRA has recommended a fine of Rs1 million on Metro-1 TV for leveling baseless allegations against Senator Saeed Ghani in one of its programs.

The 40^th meeting of the Council heard the complaint lodged by Siddiqui and Raza, Barristers and Legal Consultants on behalf of the senator.

Besides the fine, the Council also recommended the channel air an apology within 15 days.

A PEMRA release said that Senator Ghani along with Senator Rubina Khalid, attended the meeting. He asked the Bureau Chief of Metro-1 Islamabad, Habib ur Rehman and Chief Reporter Babar Shehzad Turk to present the Council any evidence they might have. However, they were unable to do so.

The fine will have to be paid within 15 days and in case of a similar violation, the channel's license could be revoked.

Arshad Sharif widow reports escalating harassment in Islamabad

December 17, 2025: Widow of slain journalist Arshad Sharif says harassment is escalating in Islamabad as she seeks justice, citing slow investigations and renewed safety concerns after court findings.

HRCP warns ad ban on Dawn threatens press freedom

December 16, 2025: HRCP warns of shrinking press freedom in Pakistan after a reported ban on government advertisements to Dawn Media Group, calling the move coercive and discriminatory.

Pakistan’s ad ban on Dawn sparks media freedom concerns

December 14, 2025: Dawn Media Group says Pakistan has imposed an unannounced ban on government advertising, drawing condemnation from media bodies over press freedom and independent journalism.

PFUJ raises alarm over pressure on Dawn Media Group

December 14, 2025: Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists condemns the advertising ban on Dawn Media Group, warning that it threatens press freedom and calls on the government to restore ads immediately.

Media bodies condemn ad ban on Dawn TV and radio

December 13, 2025: Pakistani media bodies have condemned the government’s unannounced ban on advertisements to Dawn Media Group’s TV and radio outlets, calling it an attack on press freedom.

RT India deletes video of Shahbaz Sharif waiting to meet Putin

December 13, 2025: RT India deletes a viral video showing Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif allegedly waiting for Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling it a misrepresentation of events.

Dawn struggle deepens as closures raise fears for its future

December 11, 2025: Dawn Media Group faces escalating closures, financial pressure, and political retaliation, raising urgent questions about the future of independent journalism in Pakistan.

Journalists urge courts to quash warrants against Imaan Mazari, husband

December 10, 2025: Veteran journalists and rights activists raise alarm over non-bailable warrants against Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha, calling the NCIA case agenda-driven and a threat to free speech.

Newsroom

Russia labels Deutsche Welle undesirable in media crackdown

December 16, 2025 Russia has declared German broadcaster Deutsche Welle an undesirable organization, criminalizing cooperation and deepening restrictions on independent media in a widening press freedom crackdown.

Tunisia journalists' union flags widening repression of media

December 16, 2025 Tunisia journalists' union warns authorities are increasingly detaining and prosecuting reporters outside press law protections, signaling a broader crackdown on media freedom and dissent.

RSF condemns Lai verdict, cites Hong Kong press freedom slide

December 16, 2025 RSF condemns the Lai verdict as a sham trial and highlights Hong Kong’s fall to 140th in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, warning of rising risks for journalists.

Bondi Beach attack exposes media failures and TV theatrics

December 16, 2025 The Bondi Beach attack highlights stark contrasts between responsible Australian journalism and sensational Indian TV coverage, raising urgent questions about ethics, accountability, and crisis reporting.

Bangladesh editors condemn journalist arrest as repression

December 16, 2025 Bangladesh press bodies condemn the arrest of journalist Anis Alamgir under the Anti-Terrorism Act, warning of repression and calling for due process and withdrawal of baseless charges.