ISLAMABAD
The federal government has decided to consult Leader of Opposition in National Assembly Khursheed Shah in the appointment of Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) chairman, though it is not legally and constitutionally binding.
Sources said the appointment of an independent chairman would be made in next two months. They said that the government decided to consult Shah in the appointment of PEMRA chief so that the opposition could not raise an accusing finger on the government.
Sources emphasised that the government would follow the required rules and procedures in the appointment of PEMRA chief.
PEMRA is presently being run by an administrative committee comprising Pervaiz Rathore, Israr Abbasi and Ismail Shah.
The committee has already issued show cause notice to Geo TV on the Defence Ministry’s application.
President Mamnoon Hussain on April 17 had sacked PEMRA chairman Chaudhry Rasheed Ahmed.
According to sources in the Presidency, President Mamnoon Hussain had removed Ahmed in the wake of an enquiry report submitted by the interior secretary.
Earlier, he was sacked from the post on December 15, but he obtained stay order from the Islamabad High Court.
Ahmed was appointed on January 28, 2013 by former president Asif Zardari under Section 6 of PEMRA Rules after a ruling of the Supreme Court barred then acting chairman of PEMRA Dr Abdul Jabbar from holding office.
Later on a summary of the government, the president appointed Interior Secretary Shahid Khaqan to hold an inquiry into the alleged corruption, misuse of power and illegal recruitments against Ahmad.
The secretary held the enquiry and submitted report to the president.
According to reports, 16 allegations against Ahmed included financial corruption and irregularities, illegal inclusion of an advertising agency on PEMRA panel, illegal receipt and processing of applications for Satellite TV licence, attempt to grant landing rights permission, forgery in satellite TV licence terms and conditions, payments to lawyers, revival of cancelled Cable TV licences, enhancement of transmitter power of non-commercial radio, damage caused to local media industry, illegal purchase of 1800cc car, claim of monetization while using official vehicle at the same time, illegal recruitments in PEMRA, losses due to delay in investment of funds, fake bills on account of entertainment expenses, illegal salary, accumulation of all administrative and financial powers and abuse of powers.
Ahmed had challenged his removal in the Islamabad High Court (IHC). In his petition, he said that he was sacked despite his case was under proceeding in the court. He termed that his removal was illegal and unconstitutional. The petition requested the court that his removal notification should be cancelled.
