HYDERABAD, Feb 2: Federal Information Minister Nisar Memon has warned television channels of a reprise of the Nov 3 action if they “continue to flout” the Pemra regulations.
“I urge these TV channels to abide by articles of their licence as they have pledged not to violate them. It would have been better had the government stopped on day one the TV channels for violating the rules,” he said while speaking at the inaugural ceremony of APP’s Sindhi service here.
He said around 50 TV channels were working in the country, adding that the elections would not be considered free and fair if they projected any particular party.
The minister said the Election Commission was implementing laws relating to the general election and TV channels should not violate the terms governing their licences. He warned that TV channels violating laws would be taken to task.
Mr Memon said he would start a tour of the four provinces from Monday with a slogan – ‘unite for polls’. He said he would meet journalists to get their feedback on the electoral process.He said the Election Commission would ensure free and fair elections and asked TV channels to give “equal coverage” to all political parties.
“The ongoing democratic process will be completed at any cost and the government will ensure that equal liberty and rights are available to every citizen.”
The minister said that recently two more Sindhi TV channels had been given licences. There were around 106 radio stations and all of them were in the private sector. He said that APP’s Sindhi service would focus on education and social justice.
Mr Memon formed a five-member committee for the revival of Nai Zindagi magazine.
The APP’s managing director, Rai Riaz, informed the audience that the agency had launched a video service for TV channels.
