Sindh Assembly approves resolution against Geo News
Media should have freedom but not jeopardize national interests, resolution said.
KARACHI (Dunya News) – Sindh Assembly on Friday approved a resolution condemning Geo News for allegedly jeopardizing national interests, Dunya News reported.
Pakistan Tehrih-e-Insaf’s (PTI) member Sindh Assembly Khurram Sher Zaman presented the resolution against Geo News. He said that media should have freedom but without jeopardizing national interests.
Khurram said that pointing fingers on defence institutions without evidence is unacceptable.
The House passed the resolution by a majority vote.
Geo News’s coverage following the attack on prominent journalist Hamid Mir became a matter of controversy especially when Pakistan’s premier intelligence Inter Services Intelligence was named in the broadcast with pictures of Director General (DG) ISI flashing on the screen.
PEMRA issued Show Caused notice to Geo News:
Consequently, Defence Ministry moved Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) against Geo News seeking suspension of broadcast license.
PEMRA sent a Show Cause notice to Geo News on April 23, seeking response 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.
