PFUJ condemns PEMRA, calls for immediate restoration of Channel 24

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 30 October 2020

The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists has criticized PEMRA for its harmful policies affecting Channel 24. They demand the immediate restoration of the channel to protect the jobs of its employees.

Summary

ISLAMABAD—Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has strongly condemned the misuse of PEMRA laws for score-settling and arm twisting of media, quite evident in Channel 24’s case, as its entire operations remain suspended since August 31.

President Shahzada Zulfiqar and Secretary-General Nasir Zaidi criticized the ruthless and uncalled for PEMRA policies. They said the regulator had become politicized and following an anti-media agenda instead of acting as an autonomous and independent body.

They reminded that due to inhumane and anti-worker PEMRA policies, around 1000 employees of Channel 24 might lose jobs.

PFUJ leadership urged the government and PEMRA to shun anti-media policies for ensuring the media’s independence and better government-media relations. They demanded immediate restoration of Channel 24.

KEY POINTS:

• PFUJ condemns PEMRA's actions against Channel 24.
• Channel 24's operations suspended since August 31.
• Around 1000 jobs at risk due to PEMRA's policies.
• Calls for improved government-media relations.
• Emphasis on the need for media independence.