ISLAMABAD – The penalty of Rs 1 million on two private TV channels, Waqt and Samaa, was imposed after giving them ample opportunity to show cause and explain their positions, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) said in a press release on Tuesday.
These channels had projected terrorists and had aired scenes of blood while covering the incident of assassination of Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer besides repeatedly airing the interview of the assassin in violation of the PEMRA rules, regulations and code of conduct, the release said. Through a letter (F.No.13(4)/Ops/11), Waqt TV has been directed to pay the fine within 15 days and abstain from airing such footages of dead bodies, bloodshed and the interviews of terrorists in future. “Failing which, appropriate legal action shall be taken against you that may result in revocation of your license,” the letter, addressed to Nidai Millat (Pvt.) Ltd (Waqt TV channel) CEO, said.
