PERMA authorised to decide Geo's fate: Law ministry
It said PEMRA committee's decision would be conclusive and binding on all parties.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Federal Law Ministry responded back on Wednesday to Ministry of Information’s request saying Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) is fully authorised to decide Geo’s fate, Dunya News reported.
The ministry also said that whatever decision PEMRA committee now takes would be conclusive and binding on all parties.
Even after determination of jurisdiction, PEMRA members are still divided over Geo’s fate.
Earlier, PEMRA’s session comprising five key members, Tuesday, suspended licences of Geo News, Geo Entertainment and Geo Tez TV out of five TV channels owned and operated by Geo/Jang group and moved for revocation of licenses. However the meeting’s legitimacy was challenged by PEMRA’s spokesperson.
Responding to the disputes dession, PEMRA member Israr Abbasi had said that the decision made by PEMRA committee to suspend licences of three of Geo/Jang group’s channels was legitimate as it was as per the schedule and the law. He warned that he would take the matter to court if GeoTV’s transmission is not suspended, Dunya News reported.
PEMRA member Mian Shams said that PEMRA’s session comprised members from all over Pakistan. He said that PEMRA members have full authority as per PEMRA rules.
He said that a committee will be formed in next session to assert the authority of the chairman. He also recommended immediate suspension and sealing Geo’s offices.
He alleged that Mir Shakil tried to influence PEMRA members and the due process.
He said that PEMRA has also said the recommendations to Geo/Jang group seeking response by May 28 when the final decision will be taken. He alleged that Mir Shakil wanted private members of PEMRA to decide on the issue in order to influence the process and seek a favourable decision.
Another member Israr Abbasi alleged that Mir Shakil tried to call PEMRA members individually but he refused to answer the call.
Earlier, Council of Complaints Karachi chapter also recommended revoking GeoTV’s license over airing of allegedly blasphemous content.
The recommendation was made by complaints council Karachi following the complaints and reports of allegedly blasphemous content on Geo’s morning show.
Geo’s fate will now be decided in PEMRA’s upcoming session scheduled for May 28.
PEMRA had slammed Geo TV with a show-cause notice for allegedly airing blasphemous content, seeking immediate explanation.
The show-cause notice was issued by PEMRA over the objectionable content broadcasted in Geo Entertainment’s morning show ‘Utho Jago Pakistan’.
According to PEMRA spokesperson, over 10,000 complaints were received against the show. The complaints were sent to the Complaint Council for review, seeking apt recommendations.
