ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) issued a show-cause notice to ARY News on Friday, claiming the channel had aired fake and unverified news about the stance of Pakistan’s former ambassador to the US, Asad Majeed, regarding the controversial letter.

The electronic media regulator directed the management of ARY Communications Ltd to submit its reply to the notice within seven days.

It asked the CEO to appear in person or through an authorised representative for a personal hearing on April 29 at 11:30am at Pemra’s Islamabad headquarters.

Pemra said that in case of non-compliance, an ex-parte legal action would be taken against the channel in accordance with relevant provisions of Pemra laws.

The news relates to the controversy generated by the communique forwarded by the envoy that former prime minister Imran Khan maintains was an evidence of a conspiracy hatched by the US to topple his government. However, a National Security Committee (NSC) meeting on Friday brushed off any conspiracy related to the letter.

According to the Pemra notice, ARY News while citing sources claimed Mr Majeed had maintained that the cable’s contents amounted to interference in internal affairs, and that it was a “reality” that threatening language had been used in the cable and that the ambassador remained steadfast in his stance despite the government pressure.

Published in Dawn, April 24th, 2022