By Sarmad Ali
(Pak Destiny) As Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) today imposed Rs1 million fine on Metro-1 TV channel for leveling baseless allegations against Senator Saeed Ghani in its TV programme, it received a complaint against M/s Labbaik (Pvt) Ltd (Bol News TV) for airing derogatory and false allegations on JUI(F) Chief Maulana Fazal-Ur-Rehman in the programme “Aisay Nahe Challay Ga” dated 21st November, 2016 by Dr. Amir Liaquat.
The channel should also be directed to air apology with the same manner and magnitude about the said content within a period of 15 days, it is further recommended.
In its 40th meeting of the Pemra Council chaired by Prof Inam Bari on Monday made the above-mentioned recommendations after hearing complaints lodged by Siddiqui & Raza, Barristers and Legal Consultants on behalf of Senator Saeed Ghani against M/s Multi Plus Corporation (Pvt) Ltd (Metro-1) for airing defamatory report against his client multiple times on the channel.
Senator Saeed Ghani accompanied by Senator Rubina Khalid had himself come to attend the meeting, to present his case and to clear him of the allegations that were leveled by the channel. He requested the Bureau Head of Metro-1 Islamabad, Mr. Habib ur Rehman and Chief Reporter, Baber Shehzad Turk to present the Council with any evidence that they might have against him under which the report was aired. However, the representatives of Metro-1 were unable to do so.
After listening to both sides, the Council recommended a fine of Rs 1,000,000 to M/s Multi Plus Corporation (Pvt) Ltd (Metro-1) to be deposited within 15 days for airing defamatory and baseless allegations without any evidence against Senator Saeed Ghani.
The channel is also warned that in case of repeated violation of similar nature, and or noncompliance to the above decision, the Authority shall proceed against the channel for revocation of its license under Section 30 of PEMRA Ordinance 2002 as amended by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007. The Council also recommended that Metro-1 should air an apology with the same
manner and magnitude to its viewers and run tickers about the said content aired, within fifteen days.
Mrs. Shahida Akhtar Ali, MNA, JUI (F) lodged a complaint against M/s Labbaik (Pvt) Ltd (Bol News TV) for airing derogatory and false allegations on JUI(F) Chief Maulana Fazal-Ur-Rehman in the programme “Aisay Nahe Challay Ga” dated 21st November, 2016 by Dr. Amir Liaquat.
Mrs. Ali requested the Council to take strict action against the channel as no one has the right to make false and personal allegations against the personality of a senior member of the Parliament of Pakistan.
On the request of the Counsel of M/s Labbaik (Pvt) Ltd (Bol News), represented by Mr. Raja Rizwan of Rizwan Law Associates, the Council deferred the matter for fifteen days. – Pak Destiny
