By Raza Ruman
(Pak Destiny) ARY anchors – Arshad Sharif and Arif Hameed Bhatti – are facing charges for “spreading hatred against armed forces of Pakistan”.
The Pakistan Electronic Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) today issued show cause notices to ARY News for casting aspersions against the Armed Forces of Pakistan in its programmes.
According to the notice, the first show cause is issued with regard to airing of special transmission on Dawn Leaks Report dated May 10, 2017. In the said programme, a person, Arshad Sharif drew a comparison between withdrawal of a tweet by the ISPR and the 1971 tragedy.
The second show cause PEMRA is issued to ARY News for casting aspersions against the Armed Forces of Pakistan in its programme “The Reporters” dated May 16, 2017 by a person Arif Hameed Bhatti.
“Drawing such a comparison is highly objectionable, derogatory and amounts of lowering the morale of Pakistan Army. The tragedy of 1971 is an unfortunate incident in Pakistan’s history as a large number of soldiers and officers laid down their lives while thousands of them were taken captive. There is no end to sacrifices by the gallant soldiers and officers of Pakistan Army. Even in the ongoing war against terrorism, more than 6,000 security personnel have been killed. At a time, when soldiers and officers are laying down their lives for their Motherland, such comments are totally uncalled for and unconstitutional.”
PEMRA’s tweet containing show cause notice to ARY News in Urdu and English
اے آر وائی نیوز کے پروگراموں میں افواجِ پاکستان کے خلاف ہرزہ سرائی اور نفرت انگیز تبصرے؛ٹی وی چینل کو اظہارِ وجوہ کے نوٹسز جاری pic.twitter.com/UYARmfCpnB
— Report PEMRA (@reportpemra) May 25, 2017
The second show cause PEMRA is issued to ARY News for casting aspersions against the Armed Forces of Pakistan in its programme “The Reporters” dated May 16, 2017 by a person Arif Hameed Bhatti.
“That programme was aired in violation of the warning PEMRA issued to TV channels on May 12, 2017 in which they were directed not to air unverified or baseless news against the Armed Forces or spread hatred and uncertainty. PEMRA has directed the channel management to file reply to both the notices by June 1, 2017. PEMRA has also directed the Chief Executive Officer of ARY News to appear in person for the personal hearing on the above-mentioned date. The regulator has also sought details of the survey claimed by Mr Bhatti in ‘The Reporters’. In case of non-compliance, ex-parte proceedings shall be initiated against the TV channel.”
Arshad Sharif and Arif Bhatti are the first facing the the charges of “spreading hatred against armed forces of Pakistan”.
After social media the PML-N government has initiated action against the electronic media and both Arshad Sharif and Arif Bhatti are the first facing the the charges of “spreading hatred against armed forces of Pakistan”. Both anchors may be banned for a longer period of time for their offence. – Pak Destiny
Very rightly Pemra issues notices to ARY News for spreading hatred against Armed Forces in Arshad Sharif’s program & Arif Hamid Bhatti’s “The Reporters”. Because if u had watched arshad sharif tone against army on dawn leaks. he was just disgusting.
Well keeping in view there chances are quite high after putting ban on Aamir Liaqat- PEMRA may also ban Arshad Sharif to investigate Sharif’s involvement in Panama Leaks? and as far as arif bhatti is concerned he is our cheeta of journalism
totally support arshad sharif and salute his courage .Not deterred by pressure of PEMRA & Absar Alam.Keep it up arshad and arif bhatti we are all with u