The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has directed all its electronic media stakeholders to duly observe the sanctity of the holy month of Muharram-ul-Haram.
According to a press release issued on Saturday, PEMRA Chairman Dr Abdul Jabbar has asked all the media outlets, in a circular, to observe the teachings of Islam and has warned them from relaying or distributing any programme against the sanctity of the holy month.
The circular stated that no programme shall be aired or distributed in contravention to the PEMRA Code of Conduct. The programmes should refrain from passing derogatory remarks about any religion, sect or community. The usage of words contemptuous of religious sects and ethnic groups should also be avoided.
The electronic media has been directed to craft special programmes that persuade the viewers to shun sectarian activities and discard animosity and differences by following the Islamic principles of human values such as faith, tolerance and brotherhood for the welfare of the country as well as the Muslim Ummah.
The PEMRA chairman said that any disconformities to the afore-stated directives would be taken seriously and may result in the imposition of heavy fines, suspension/revocation of licences of violators under the PEMRA law.
