PEMRA's Show Cause notice to Geo News: Response sought within 14 days
The Show Cause notice says that the evidence supplied indeed violated PEMRA rules.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) sought a response from Geo News over Show Cause notice within 14 days, Dunya News obtained a copy of the notice on Thursday.
According to the notice, Geo TV’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is required to appear in person for explanation at PEMRA headquarters on May 6.
The Show Cause notice issued from Deputy General Manager PEMRA Muhammad Tahir said that PEMRA received two petitions against Geo News; one from Defence Ministry, while the other from Director General (DG) Inter Services Intelligence (ISI). The petitions said that Geo News started leveling allegations against ISI and superior officials following attack on anchorperson Hamir Mir.
The notice also says that the petitions allege that working on enemy’s agenda has been a routine for Geo News. The petitioners also supplied transcript and video recordings of the offending broadcast.
The Show Cause notice says that the evidence supplied indeed violated PEMRA rules, directing Geo to immediately halt such content and to submit explanation within 14 days.
The context of the notice requires explanation as to why Geo News’s license should not be revoked and why a penalty not be imposed as per sections 29 and 30 of PEMRA Ordinance 2002.
PEMRA also summoned Geo TV’s CEO to appear at PEMRA headquarters on May 6. The notice warns that if a response is not filed within the due date, a unilateral action will be taken. It is also mentioned that the notice was issued after approval of the concerned authorities.
The Defence Ministry had filed a complaint before the media regulatory authority accusing the Geo News channel of indulging in anti-national activities by smearing the image of intelligence agency ISI.
PEMRA’s legal department would proceed further once Geo TV submits its reply on the notice, sources told.
The defence ministry’s complaint, filed before the PEMRA, alleges that Geo News channel is involved in anti-Pakistan activities. The ministry also provided evidences against the TV channel to PEMRA.
The ministry complained about broadcasts on Geo that alleged that the Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) agency was connected to an assassination attempt on the station s talk-show host, Hamid Mir.
Mir was shot three times while in his car on April 19 and is currently recovering in a hospital.
