PEMRA show-cause notice to Neo News

JournalismPakistan.com | Published 6 years ago

ISLAMABAD – Electronic media watchdog PEMRA has issued a show-cause notice to Neo News for airing “derogatory and demeaning remarks” against an ethnic community in two successive shows of Harf-e-Raz hosted by Orya Maqbool Jan (pictured).

The regulator pointed out that the remarks uttered by the host show that the channel’s editorial committee is ineffective.

The programs aired on December 11 and 12.

PEMRA said that airing such remarks violated sections of PEMRA laws and the electronic media code of conduct.

The channel is required to submit a written response explaining why legal action should not be taken against them. The organization’s CEO will also have to appear for a personal hearing.

New study shows alarming decline in press freedom in Pakistan

November 20, 2025: New data from the Worlds of Journalism Report shows rising threats, political pressures, and shrinking media freedom for Pakistani journalists working in an increasingly hostile environment.

Shahzeb Khanzada faces lawsuit threat in Canada over video

November 19, 2025: Shahid Bhatti threatens legal action against Shahzeb Khanzada and his wife in Canada, claiming their actions endangered his life and violated Canadian law.

Journalists condemn police handling of Imran Khan’s sisters

November 19, 2025: Journalists across Pakistan condemn police for allegedly roughing up Imran Khan’s sisters outside Adiala Jail, sparking outrage and raising questions about rights and accountability.

Minister says man who harassed Shahzeb Khanzada identified

November 19, 2025: Pakistan’s information minister says the man who harassed journalist Shahzeb Khanzada in Canada has been identified as a PTI worker, though BBC Urdu says it cannot verify the claim.

Top ARY News official criticizes double-faced journalism

November 18, 2025: ARY News President Ammad Yousaf criticizes double-faced journalism in Pakistan, highlighting opportunism and ethical concerns without naming any journalist directly.

Benazir Shah targeted by AI video as Shahzeb Khanzada faces backlash

November 17, 2025: Benazir Shah condemns AI harassment while Shahzeb Khanzada faces sharp criticism for agenda-driven coverage, raising questions about ethics and accountability in Pakistani journalism.

Shahzeb Khanzada, Shahbaz Gill clash intensifies on X

November 17, 2025: A heated exchange between Shahzeb Khanzada and Shahbaz Gill on X escalates after a viral mall confrontation involving a member of the public, underscoring rising hostility and polarization in Pakistan’s media sphere.

Viral video shows Shahzeb Khanzada harassed in public

November 16, 2025: Geo News anchor Shahzeb Khanzada was verbally harassed in a viral video while shopping. A fellow journalist condemns the attack and calls for respect and media safety.

Newsroom

CPJ gala honors five journalists and sets fundraising record

November 21, 2025 CPJ honored five courageous journalists at its 2025 Press Freedom Awards in New York, raising a record $2.925 million to support global reporting under threat.

Malaysia PM urges fair pay for journalists amid low wages

November 21, 2025 Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urges fair pay for journalists, highlighting low wages and promising government action to improve media workers’ financial conditions

Kashmir Times raid draws concern over media pressure

November 21, 2025 CPJ urges authorities in Jammu and Kashmir to return seized Kashmir Times property and clarify the legal basis for a newsroom raid that raises fresh press freedom concerns.

Tunisian journalists protest rising media restrictions

November 21, 2025 Tunisian journalists protest rising media restrictions, warning of growing pressure as work permit bans, delays, and prosecutions intensify concerns over press freedom.

Samoa PM bars Samoa Observer in escalating media dispute

November 20, 2025 Samoa’s prime minister has barred the Samoa Observer from Cabinet briefings, sparking condemnation from journalists and regional media groups over rising threats to press independence.