Staff Report
KARACHI: Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has issued orders to Chief executive officer Abb Takk Tv to stop all breaking news against officers of Culture Department Government of Sindh and stop discussion in programe ‘Benaqaab’ about officers as well.
In its order number 13(81)/OPS/2016/2181 on May 20th 2020, PEMRA revealed that “Please find enclosed herewith three self-explanatory complaints along with CDs lodged by complainants namely Mr Roshan Ali Kanasro, Director Planning & Development, Tourism and Antiquities Government of Sindh and Mr Hakim Ali Rahujo, Accounts officers in Tourism and Antiquities Government of Sindh and Mr Waliullah Bhutto, Government contractor against channel “Abb Takk” complainants alleged that channel “Abb Takk is continuously airing fake and fabricated news about them in its news bulletins as a breaking news without seeking their stance. Further, it is informed by the complainants that M/s Apna TV Channel Pvt, Ltd (Abb Takk) is continuously in its programme titled “Benaqab” airing malicious and fake news story about them, resultantly such demeaning fake content affect their portfolios and reputation in the society.
PEMRA in its letter further said that Airing such false and unverified news tantamount to sheer violation of section 20 (f) of PEMRA Ordinance, 2002 as amended by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act, 2007, read with clauses 3(I)(i), 4(I), 4(7) (a)(c), 4 (10), 17 and 19 of Electronic Media (programmes and Advertisement) Code of Conduct, 2015.
PEMRA in its order went further that, therefore M/s Apna TV channel Pvt Ltd (Abb Takk) is hereby strictly directed to stop airing the news and programmes, immediately about instant matter until and unless council of complaints, Karachi not decide anything. Further, M/s Apna TV Channel, Abb Takk is also directed to submit its comments regarding the instant matter within fourteen days of receipt of this letter till may 2020 without fail. In case of non-compliance, PEMRA shall be constrained to initiates legal actions under relevant provision of PEMRA laws.
This letters was issued by Muhammad Tahir General Manager Operations-Broadcast Media.
