Pemra bans TV anchor and his programme

E-Paper | October 30, 2026

Pemra bans TV anchor and his programme

The Newspaper's Staff Reporter Published October 20, 2014

ISLAMABAD: In compliance with an order of the Lahore High Court (LHC), the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) banned on Sunday ARY News anchor Mubashir Lucman and his programme ‘Khara Such’ till further orders of the court.

The ban will also apply on his appearance in any other TV programme in any capacity.

“We just obeyed the orders of LHC and the ban will remain in force till hearing of the case on Nov 11 when the detailed judgment will be issued,” Pemra spokesman Fakhar Mughal told Dawn.

He said the management of the channel had been informed that in case of non-compliance the authority would be constrained to initiate appropriate action which might lead to cancellation of its licence and imposition of fine under the Pemra laws.

A press release issued by Pemra said: “It is directed to ensure with immediate effect that Mubashir Lucman does not participate in any programme on ARY News or on any other TV channel being aired in Pakistan either as a host or as an observer or as a participant.”

It said the court orders had been circulated to all news and current affairs TV channels to ensure compliance.

On Friday, the LHC issued bailable arrest warrants of ARY News chief executive officer Salman Iqbal, Mubashir Lucman, the programme’s producer and one Asim Malik for not appearing before the court despite having been summoned.

The court placed restrictions on airing of the show and participation of the anchor in any other TV programme.

It ordered inclusion of the name of Mr Lucman in the Exit Control List (ECL) and summoned the attorney general, Punjab advocate general, Federal Investigation Agency director general and Lahore district coordination officer on Oct 21.

Justice Syed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi issued the orders while hearing a suo motu notice against the respondents for airing an interview of Asim Malik, owner of a firm, Future Concern, in which serious allegations had been levelled against him.

Published in Dawn, October 20th, 2014

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Abdul nasir

Oct 20, 2014 09:46am

What a country? He showed black and white on the TV , tapes provided by the agencies. The organization or person should be in serious trouble not him. PMLN and PPP wants this man badly off the air. If we're in 70, 80 or 90's Era , he would have been dead .

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asad

Oct 20, 2014 09:48am

Democracy at work

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Bilal

Oct 20, 2014 09:49am

Not a bad move, a journalist isn't supposed to be biased, serves him well.

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M Rafique

Oct 20, 2014 09:59am

Detail judgement will be announced on 11.11.14 why to take it so long when almost judgement is announced

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khanm

Oct 20, 2014 10:10am

Whoever controls the media, controls the mind but we will not let this happen..Don't be disheartened folks... Pemra can ban him on media but he could still continue kara sach on social media.. Folks..The evolution of social media into a robust mechanism for social transformation is already visible. Despite many adamant critics who insist that tools like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube are little more than faddish distractions useful only to exchange trivial information, these critics are being proven wrong time and again.

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Raza

Oct 20, 2014 10:14am

Who are the respondents? The article fails to mention. It is the former law minister of Punjab , Rana Mashood, who had to vacate his seat since his name was mentioned in taped interviews and who was shown involved in illegal activities as the above mentioned program shows. He took money from Asim Malik (seems under duress) to further his (ex-minister's) political goals as this program exposes. If found true, in any relatively "cleaner" democracy this would be crime enough to put someone in jail. But not in Pakistan. I would like to see this investigated and if found true, it is extortion at its very naked level and Mashood should be put behind bars. I hope this whole story is picked up by the foreign media and the criminals outed. We just put the bearer of bad news of corruption under pressure instead of dealing with the "bad news" and the characters involved with the "bad news". If Mashood is cleared of this crime, why was he made to resign as the following article exclaims: http://www.thenewstribe.com/2014/09/30/rana-mashood-decides-to-resign-on-corruption-video-scandal/

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MUNIB

Oct 20, 2014 10:17am

Mubashir Luqman was a classic case of misusing a RIGHT under freedom of speech. Ever since he came on scene 8 years ago, to defend MUSH against majority media, it was evident that this man has no JOURNALISTIC credentials, is fed with content from Agencies to defame democracy, politicians (esp. his 99.99% programs always targeting PMLN PPP and any anti-Establishment force) , making false accusations, twisting facts to suit his so called "proof" etc. It is high time, the REAL people in media with REAL credentials speak up against this black sheep.

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Rashid Siddiqui

Oct 20, 2014 10:17am

Who is next?

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Ahmed

Oct 20, 2014 10:27am

Though i think Mr. Luqman is a very biased and prejudiced anchor. However we should not bank shows and anchors from airing their views. As a nation we should have the capacity to accept diverse views and promote pluralistic values. This must be applicable to the society as a whole.

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Farooq Ali

Oct 20, 2014 10:28am

Blaming others is the easiest job, well done PEMRA

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Oct 20, 2014 10:28am

There is no difference between Musharraf's democracy and NS democracy rather Musharraf's democracy was better. PPP democracy was 1000 times better than PML-N democracy. They have failed miserably in all fields.

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Nauman

Oct 20, 2014 10:37am

He always speaks the truth apart from the malik riaz episode. Politicians are running scared. He speaks with proof and the powers dont like it. Simple as that.

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Independent Observer

Oct 20, 2014 10:45am

How is it that the orders of the LHC binding on the whole nation? Pemra could've only banned him in Punjab, the LHC doesn't have jurisdiction outside of Punjab. If anything unless the decision is upheld by the Supreme Court, it is not binding at all.

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majid udhi

Oct 20, 2014 10:47am

mubashir lucman says truth, which is according to QURAN, how orders come fm rulers to stop him appearance bec he said against ittefaq grp.

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Ravi Dallas TX

Oct 20, 2014 10:47am

So who will talk against corrupt politicians now?

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Uza Syed

Oct 20, 2014 10:48am

PEMRA itself has a dubious track record and we need to seriously ask ourselves if such organisations should at all be there.

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amber usman

Oct 20, 2014 11:00am

Truth is very painful for some. What is the definition of jamhoriat?

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Wajahat Ali Chowdry

Oct 20, 2014 11:08am

He always comes with the evidences, if they are correct then why they are been penalized.

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amber usman

Oct 20, 2014 11:18am

@Bilal biased????exposing corruption is being biased??

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Khan

Oct 20, 2014 11:19am

Great News, still a big distance ahead for making PEMRA the most respectable institute of Pakistan.

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Mian Shahid Mehmood

Oct 20, 2014 11:24am

The ban is quite justified because of Mubashar Luqman's personal vendetta against prestigious departments of the country. The TV channels and their anchors should not be allowed to show their person bias while conducting discussion program on the national media. Neutrality of the anchor and TV channel ensure positive discussion.

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Fatima

Oct 20, 2014 11:34am

Government can't handle someone who is exposing the corruption. The only reason why this journalist is being harassed is because he has revealed corruption in the ruling PPP and PML-N parties.

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Ali

Oct 20, 2014 11:37am

Well-done Mubashir Sahib you did well and Pakistani Nation will support you and condemn the act of harassment by the concern.

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omar

Oct 20, 2014 11:47am

Judges ki corruption koun saamnay laeyga aur in corrupt judges ko koun ban karay ga inn kay naam ECL pay koun dalay ga ??

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amin

Oct 20, 2014 11:49am

Why Mubashir only? Almost all anchors are doing the same!

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amber usman

Oct 20, 2014 12:03pm

@Wajahat Ali Chowdry because might is right

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Shahid

Oct 20, 2014 12:08pm

Great News! I had stopped watching ARY because of Mubashir Luqman and only used to watch Abbasi on that channel. In my personal opinion Mubashir is not a jounalist at all. Because he always shows one sided bad face of the society. Problem is not that he showed the bad face but that he always showed one sided image of society. I heared many time "Un-verfied, Incomplete and one sided" disturbing news from him and really got annoyed that if you yourself is not sure of some news how come you are saying it by simply using these words in teh begining " Ghair Musadiqa Itllayst say pata chala hay kay....". Journalist have to be Neutral which is a must ingrediant and this is one thing which Mubashir completely lacks. He should be banned for lifetime.

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Qamar Tarar

Oct 20, 2014 12:17pm

This is so called Democracy where you have no rights to speak. Such type of democracy is worse than dictatorship (sorry I hate Dictatorship too). You can never be neutral. You always have your own thininkg and opinion too. All TV channels are biased. This doesnot mean that you ban those who speak against your corruption or bad goverance and favour those who work to hide your corruption. We fully condemn this brutal act and we will demonstrate if you will try to stop voice of others. This program is so popular due to its facts and figures. If we will not wake up now then Who is next?

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SAL

Oct 20, 2014 12:21pm

Mr. PM, PCM and all there buddies couldn't take it. You did a great job Mr. Mubashir Luckman by exposing the corrupts by there names which have made them cry and asked PEMRA to ban you from TV. Hum aap kay saat hain.

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Hamid

Oct 20, 2014 12:21pm

@Mian Shahid Mehmood Agreed. Anchors should be unbiased. But so should the judges. In fact, biased judges are a lot more damaging for a society than biased talking heads.

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Ali

Oct 20, 2014 12:35pm

Where corruption ends, it starts from our judiciary. May Allah help us to get rid of these corrupt judges. Ameen.

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Ahmed

Oct 20, 2014 12:39pm

He wasn't only biased but openly invited the army to take over. A case of mutiny should also be filed against him. This ban must have reminded him of his campaign against GEO. Its called Karma :) Well done courts and pemra!

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Muhammad Tahir Jamali

Oct 20, 2014 12:46pm

Should be law abiding citizen, Mr. Mubashar Luqman to attend court proceedings. ARY channel should stop negative propaganda against state institutions.

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Usman

Oct 20, 2014 12:50pm

This is a revenge because most of the time he was reporting against the government and exposed them. This is a wake up call for all the media and anchors. This is a true face of so called democracy.

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Sahil

Oct 20, 2014 12:53pm

Kashif abbasi was campaigning for Dhaghi in Multan during NA 149 election campaign, can PEMRA ban him or too biased and paid journalist of GEO (watan faroosh)? or anyone who support corrupt ruling elite is acceptable as per PEMRA rules

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Ali

Oct 20, 2014 12:54pm

This is NOT "Democracy" or Freedom of press. I condem this act & Request to #PTI & #PAT to take swift action in support.

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Sami

Oct 20, 2014 12:56pm

Which Journalist in world is not biased in world? Sharif courts will do anything to hide incompetence and corruption of PMLn.

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Z Khan

Oct 20, 2014 12:58pm

How he was allowed so long to spread hate, anarchy and lies on LIVE shows without any check and balance?? it has taken so long so long to make right decision. Democracy does not mean anyone can say anything on TV , there are limits which has to be followed by anchors and guests.

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Abdul Rahman Khan

Oct 20, 2014 01:09pm

Lahore High Court (LHC) is under the influence of 'Lahore' - this is my 'khara such'.

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Lyra

Oct 20, 2014 01:28pm

Had to happen!! Pakistan has never had guts to face and digest 'Khara Sach'!

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Naseem

Oct 20, 2014 01:49pm

Why should a person be placed on exit control list, this is a civil matter and not a criminal case that there is restriction on movement of the accused.

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i2i

Oct 20, 2014 02:04pm

He got what he truly deserved. Freedom also has a limits and comes with responsibility and showing respect to the laws and others rights. I hope other so called TV anchors of the same flock also learn lesson and review and rectify their negative, irresponsible and immature attitude. In Pakistan Media is all about negativism, talking nonsense, distorting and cooking up facts and creating hype and panic in the country. Pakistan will be a better place without such TV anchors misleading people and presenting their view as facts.

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Gul Pasha

Oct 20, 2014 02:09pm

Nobody is above the law. It was over due. Well done PEMRA.

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saad saeed

Oct 20, 2014 02:14pm

Hence proven that we have "monarchy" not "democracy"

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saad saeed

Oct 20, 2014 02:15pm

@Bilal What about the journalists from another media group?

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s chaudhury

Oct 20, 2014 02:29pm

Desperate attempt by government agents to silence critics. Long live Mubashir Lucman

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omair

Oct 20, 2014 02:41pm

Noora style of Governance, NS is too dumb to do anything, Shehbaz on the other hand is a professional thug and this is a clear example of it, wow!!

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Zia

Oct 20, 2014 02:43pm

They can kill people and still be in government and we can`t speak the truth?

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ahmed

Oct 20, 2014 02:52pm

Happy to read this news. He shod be bunished hardly to cleanup media bad fishes

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John

Oct 20, 2014 02:57pm

@Bilal With fascist countrymen like you, who needs enemies? Shame on you.

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Tota Ram Verma

Oct 20, 2014 02:59pm

This guy was really doing what a journalist should not do.. I was watching his one live debate wherein he was showing footage of bullet firing outside the Pakistan parliament at the time IK's agitation ..it was really violent footage and he was encouraging his correspondents to get more picture like this and put those footage live .... No matter who is right or wrong . but showing those pictures wont bring anything good for any country .. and you are just inciting the young people to get more agitated and join the big agitation outside parliament and kill each other ....nobody can justify any kind of violence to achieve your goal. BTW it was unbiased analysis from an Indian..

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Khalid Quraishi

Oct 20, 2014 03:07pm

Pemra is following the law, justices following the law, and in accordance with law the decision will be pending and will never see the light of day. Hail to Pakistan. God save the corrupt institution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Jiyey corrupt nizam

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Goga Nalaik

Oct 20, 2014 03:09pm

Mubashir, you are fighting against the corrupt system and even more corrupt politicians... you are therefore banned!!! BUT WE ARE WITH YOU

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Dr. Sadaf

Oct 20, 2014 03:27pm

Is this democracy and freedom of speech, we should be so proud of ourselves. Who is next or is it a warning , do not mess with us we are dangerous.

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ali-dubai

Oct 20, 2014 03:46pm

Why there was no suo motu Action on Geo blaming ISI & army. No wonder we are living in a Jungle rule country.

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Babar-Canada

Oct 20, 2014 08:54pm

Mubashir Lucman was more like a spokesman of PTI than an anchor or TV host....Mubashir Lucman should revisit his approach.....If you are hosting a TV show then you must be impartial and unbiased, you need to put your political affiliation aside.....

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nazneen sheikh

Oct 21, 2014 12:34am

Mr Lucqman is a disgrace. He is loathed by his colleagues and the public at large.His only modus operandi is to unearth false and sordid scandals. The step to revoke his appearance is a bold step. It is time that Pakistanis realize that good electronic journalism is just that and no more. Mr Luqman is currently being sued for defamation by many people. he needs to be taught what an anchor means. I congratulate the regulating body for taking this step.

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Samia Tariq

Oct 21, 2014 12:41am

Good riddance. He was in urgent need of a muzzle.

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