PEMRA notice to Channel 92 for terminating journalist without reason

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 11 November 2016 |  JP Staff Reporter

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has taken action against Channel 92 for unlawfully terminating journalist Sagheer Chaudhry. This action was prompted by a complaint from the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ), highlighting serious concerns within the media community.

Summary

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has served a show cause notice on Channel 92 for sacking a senior journalist without valid reason and in violation of his employment contract.

The watchdog issued the notice following a complaint by Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ).

Sagheer Chaudhry was terminated on October 22, a decision the RIUJ said came as a surprise for the journalist fraternity. The complainants pointed out Channel 92 had at the start of the year declared Chaudhry the ‘Best Reporter of the Year’.

RIUJ said the journalist was “forcefully sacked” and this was a matter of great concern not just for the staff at the channel but also other working journalists. The union called for initiating action against Channel 92 under relevant PEMRA laws.

PEMRA said it had the powers to summon any license holder with regard to any operational matter, especially if this was related to an individual, his/her contract, or sacking.

The channel has been given until November 18 to explain its position.