PEMRA directs ARY News to air apology over irresponsible remarks about Allah

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ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on Thursday directed private TV Channel ARY News to air an apology to viewers for passing irresponsible remarks by associating an individual with Allah Almighty during its programme ‘The Reporter’ aired on September 7.

In this regard, a show cause notice was issued to ARY News and the its management was asked to explain its position, while also being directed to appear for personal hearing on September 15.

After hearing the representative of the channel, analysing the written reply and reviewing the objectionable clip, it was found that the channel had violated several clauses of the Electronic Media Code of Conduct 2015.

PEMRA had also directed the channel to appoint an in-house committee to monitor the content and to provide the details to PEMRA within 15 days. PEMRA had further directed ARY News to properly utilise the time-delay mechanism.

It was also notified that in case of repeated violations or on non-compliance of the above mentioned decision, the authority would take strict action against the channel according to PEMRA laws.