ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) Wednesday issued a show cause notice to private TV channel Bol News for its programme “HQ Debate” in which the host Hamza Ali Abbasi passed derogatory remarks about Pakistani passport.
The airing of such derogatory remarks amounts to spread of hatred and provokes anti-Pakistan sentiments.
Besides, the programme is also in violation of several clauses of PEMRA Ordinance 2002 as amended by PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007 and Electronic Media Code of Conduct 2015.
On this violation, the authority has directed the management of the TV channel to furnish reply within seven days i.e. on or before September 13.
Meanwhile, the chief executive officer of the TV channel is also called upon to appear before PEMRA committee for the personal hearing on the said date.
In case of failure to reply within the stipulated time and non-appearance for a personal hearing, the authority shall have the right to initiate ex-parte proceedings.
