Dear reader, online ads enable us to deliver the journalism you value. Please support us by taking a moment to
A three-member bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Justice Amir Hani Muslim, on Monday directed Bol News to immediately cease airing all 'hateful content' or face contempt of court charges.
During the hearing, the apex court addressed the TV channel's director of operations, directing him to submit an assurance "within half an hour" that the channel would not air any content that incites hatred.
If the channel continued to broadcast hateful content, the court said, Amir Liaquat and all those involved in the airing of such content would be held in contempt of court.
The court also said it would consider a permanent ban on the channel in case of non-compliance.
Bol News, in response, submitted a signed undertaking in the Supreme Court as soon as the bench returned from a half-hour recess, vowing to refrain from airing the 'Aisa Nahi Chalay Ga' programme hosted by Aamir Liaquat until further notification by the apex court.
The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) had banned Aamir Liaquat's programme after he levelled allegations of blasphemy against civil society activists and bloggers.
Pemra, in its Jan 26 notification to Bol News banning the programme, had noted that Aamir Liaquat had used derogatory words “which could not be repeated here”.
The notification added that usage of such language is "a violation" of several clauses and rules of the Pemra Ordinance and its code of conduct.
A day after the notification, Pemra had to issue a show-cause notice to Bol News for flouting the authority's directives after the channel went ahead with broadcasting the banned programme.
The regulatory body also directed the channel's chief executive officer to submit its response by Febuary 7, 2017.
Pemra had noted that if the channel failed to defend itself, the authority had the "powers to suspend the programme under section 27 of Pemra rules, impose a fine of up to one million rupees under section 29, suspend the license of the channel under section 30 or cancel the license of the channel under section 30".
However, on the same day, the Sindh High Court (SHC), hearing a petition filed by Bol News, had issued a stay order against Pemra's ban.
Following the SHC's ruling, Pemra had petitioned the Supreme Court against the SHC's stay and issued a separate statement that it would fight to establish its writ and would challenge all cases in court.
The Supreme Court will resume hearing the case on Feb 8.
Comments (47) Closed
what is bane the program or mr. liaquat ?
Thank God. This intense hatered and coarse language was not suitable for a TV program
Denying and banning the truth doesn't change the facts.
This guy uses this platform just to forward hi personal campaign of malign against those he hold grudges
@The End is Near - What "truth"? It was nothing but hatemongering!!!
He somehow or the other does wrong but gets away easily......something is just not right.
Good decision
@Saurabh so true...I feel the same way.he uses religion to shield his insecurities.
Somebody needs to stop this gentleman , Than you PEMRA
@kanwarch I agree with you to disagree that he ever was a gentleman
That is it. BOL must be made bound to respect the State orders, which were issued by PERMA. Let the court decide the matter and then both parties shall act accordingly. Everyone has to submit to the law of the land, and this way Pakistan will become prosper and law-abiding country.
Aamir Liquat uses foul language. He should not be allowed to speak on TV or at meetings where civilized families and youngster attend.
Strong action is needed to the channel and the presenter.
A TV channel versus the federal government. Wonder who will win? It is the station owners who should be prosecuted for spreading hate as well. Pakistan's motto is : Anything to make money is permitted ... from selling false university degrees to this.
@Jalbani Baloch Sir you dream a lot.
The SC or PEMRA may please take notice of other TV Channels for promoting ideas detrimental to Pakistan interest are relayed, and all such violations can be checked by PEMRA,but PEMRA is working one sidedly,only favoring the government ruling party,while all those anchors who produce opposition views are confronted.
Good move
This program had no theme except deriding others. It is good to know it is no more.
@Saurabh yes you are right!
Atlast sanity prevails!!!
He will continue me again with more strength. The voice of truth and Pakistan can't be repressed.
I hope the public learns a lesson from the SC decision, and that is that you can not go around calling people names and making their lives miserable and then get away with it. I still have a hunch that Amir Liaqat will be back in a few months time with his own transmission.
@Khan bane is the villain of "The Dark Knight Rises".
How Pakistani audience are listening and support this kind of talk show, degrade their own quality and culture instead of enriching practice and learning from a good debate.
Any program that is based on spreading hatred must be banned. we need tolerance, peace and love for living in a decent and civilized society. Good riddance.
@The end is near: Truth is always welcomed but not hate mongery. See the hate mongery of Trump and learn.
Another person banned for exposing corruption and hidden agenda of PML-N.
To little to late
He had to be banned for life spreading hatred on any media outlet a long time ago.
Amir Liaqat was not using the right language but most of the things he was saying are true,
Sad day for Pakistan... freedom of speech is for selected ones...
Good because now 'Aisa Nahi chaley ga "
@salma makes no difference.
@Nasir exactly.
@Sab Se Pehle Pakistan nothing will be banned. you will see.
This man is a waste of time. Bol should get rid of him.
@The end is near Very true but there is a civilized way of explaining the facts and truth. Aamir liaqats personality is not suited for popular media like tv and radio.
double standards on freedom of speech what a joke
Freedom of speech?
Such a shame
Ban Amir Liaqat Hussain permanently.
Only person tit for tat response to indian channels tarek fateh in entertainment mode now banned very sad news appreciation for m r amir liyaqat
Amir Liaquat need to leave his emotions at home before coming to work. Also he need to use references only, instead to making it his own. As a media anchor; he need to consider the impact of what he will say on the current society. Free Speech is a good thing and I respect Free Speech, but when Free Speech in our situation might create riots; then it is OK to refrain from that subject.
The truth is always politically incorrect. PERMA is being managed by a corrupt and biased administration.
This guy is a disgrace. Who listens to him by the way?
@The end is near absolutely the end is near of ignorance and hatred.
Aisa Naheen Chalay Ga!
He should have known.