Copy of PEMRA show cause notices to 14 TV channels for airing hate speech
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Copy of show cause notice sent by Pakistan Electronic Regularity Authority (PEMRA) and received by Dispatch News Desk news agency indicated that PEMRA on Friday took action against broadcast of provocative speech by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Chief Altaf Hussain, and issued show cause notices to 14 Television channels.
In a statement, a spokesperson of the PEMRA said that TV channels have been directed to immediately evolve a mechanism for delaying the broadcast to avoid such embarrassing situation.
The spokesman said that said strict action would be taken for not following the directions.
Earlier, the federal information minister Pervaiz Rasheed wrote a letter to the Chairman PEMRA, seeking action against news channels for airing hateful remarks by Altaf Hussain.
In his letter, the minister said that despite supporting freedom of the media, the federal government condemns the elements that spread hate in the society.
The minister sought action in accordance with Section-27 of the PEMRA Act, and also said that the action should be directed towards TV channels for violating rules and regulations. He further said that that the speech incited hate in the masses.
Shahbaz urges Altaf to apologize from nation
Meanwhile, the Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said that the MQM chief has hurt the sentiments of millions of Pakistanis by seeking the assistance of the Indian secret agency RAW (Research and Analysis Wing).
Talking to newsmen in Lahore, Shahbaz Sharif urged Altaf Hussain to apologize from the whole nation unconditionally.
