ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) issued show-cause notice to several news channels on Saturday for airing the footage of a controversial speech by Nehal Hashmi, a former PML-N senator.

In a statement, the regulatory body said the decision by a number of channels to air Mr Hashmi’s remarks against a state institution was violation of Pemra’s code of conduct.

The regulator asked the channels concerned to explain within seven days why air time was given to a person who had a history of passing controversial statements.

In case of non-compliance, action would be taken against the channels, Pemra said. The action may include imposition of fines or the suspension of broadcasts.

Mr Hashmi, in a speech at a programme organised at the Karachi Medical and Dental College on Friday, had made the remarks against the armed forces while highlighting the role of politicians in the country’s progress.

The former senator was convicted on contempt of court charges earlier this year.

Published in Dawn, October 21st, 2018

Opinion

Editorial

‘Source of terror’
29 Mar, 2024

‘Source of terror’

ALTHOUGH dealing with the presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan is a major political, security and strategic...
Chipping in
29 Mar, 2024

Chipping in

FEDERAL infrastructure development schemes are located in the provinces. Most such projects — for instance,...
Toxic emitters
29 Mar, 2024

Toxic emitters

IT is concerning to note that dozens of industries have been violating environmental laws in and around Islamabad....
Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...