TV One told to apologize over controversial remarks about Quaid-i-Azam

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 22 June 2017

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority has directed TV One to apologize for airing remarks about Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The comments, made by Sahir Lodhi, were deemed controversial and violated PEMRA regulations.

Summary

ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has directed the management of TV One and program host Sahir Lodhi to apologize to viewers for airing controversial remarks about Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

A PEMRA press release said the management is required to specifically mention compliance of PEMRA orders in its transmission on Saturday, June 24.

Sahir Lodhi hosts the program Ishq-e-Ramzan. In his show on May 28, he held Quaid-i-Azam as being responsible for the deaths during the partition of the sub-continent.

PEMRA served a show-cause notice to the channel on May 31.

After hearing the representative of the organization, and analyzing the written reply, it was found that various PEMRA clauses had been violated.

The channel was also told to be vigilant in future.

KEY POINTS:

• PEMRA issued a directive for TV One to apologize.
• Sahir Lodhi made controversial remarks on May 28.
• The show implied Jinnah was responsible for deaths during partition.
• PEMRA found multiple violations of its rules.
• TV One must comply with PEMRA orders in future transmissions.