The Council of Complaints of Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on Thursday expressed displeasure over the non-appearance of Tv anchorperson and Group Executive Director of ARY media group in the hearing of a complaint filed by him against Federal Minister for Information Pervaiz Rashid.
The 33rd Council of Complaints met under Professor Shamim Humayun at PEMRA Headquarters to take up the complaint of Dr Shahid Masood against the federal information minister over remarks that the latter had made at a public event.
The Council had summoned the complainant and the respondent minister to appear before it on Mar 24 (Thursday) however Dr Shahid skipped the meeting but his lawyer Barrister Qasim Nawaz appeared on his behalf. Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid personally appeared at the meeting along with his legal team led by Barrister Zafarullah Khan.
Barrister Qasim told the council members that his clients had to leave for the United States of America on an urgent official visit.
The council members were of the opinion that Dr Shahid had been informed well in time about the meeting and he should have ensured his presence. Warning that the council would judge the matter ex-parte if Dr Shahid failed to appear at the next meeting, the council adjourned the proceedings till April 8.
