The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) on Thursday banned ARY News programme “Live with Dr Shahid Masood” for 45 days for defamation of Chief Justice Sindh High Court.
Dr Shahid Masood on his show on June 22 accused SHC Chief Justice Sajjad Ali Shah of taking a bribe. According to a statement on Pemra’s Twitter account, Dr Shahid implied that the son of the chief justice had been kidnapped because the chief justice did not fulfil his promise after receiving money.
PEMRA bans Shahid Masood for 45 days for casting aspersions on Chief Justice Sindh High Court pic.twitter.com/RY1qw4j1f3
— Report PEMRA (@reportpemra) 11 August 2016
Dr Shahid claimed that the alleged deal between CJ Shah and the bribes had been struck in a Gulf state.
Pemra issued a show cause notice on July 19 giving the channel seven days time to respond. However, the regulatory body says the reply received on July 23 was unprofessional and that no apology had been tendered.
Timeline of suspension of programme titled “Live with Dr. Shahid Masood pic.twitter.com/By0XeHkye9
— Report PEMRA (@reportpemra) 11 August 2016
The case was then referred to an independent body, Council of Complaints, and the channel was asked to explain its position on August 4. However, they were unable to satisfy the council. The channel has the right to appeal the decision, which will be enforced starting August 15, to the High Court or Supreme Court.
In a statement on its website, ARY counsel in the case, Advocate Moinuddin, said it looked as if Pemra’s decision was taken in haste and the order issued by Pemra did not contain signatures of the authority rather it was endorsed by the council of complaint.
PML (N) government is behind this ban, they utilize PEMRA for this purpose. Its politically motivated ban. If some one is doing wrong in the judiciary they should be account for their misdeeds so what if they were sitting in high ups, its against islam and fundamental rights. My voice is in favor of Dr Shahid Masood who is telling truth on the media.
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