ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has suspended ARY News’ license for a period of 15 days and imposed a fine of Rs10 million for airing a derogatory programme against the judiciary.
The suspension came on Monday in light of the Lahore High Court (LHC) order.
On the order of the LHC, a special meeting of PEMRA was called in on Monday to review the talk show “Khara Sach” anchored by Mubasher Lucman on ARY News. The officials in the regulatory authority found the show in contravention with the PEMRA act and its code of conduct.
The PEMRA had also banned Mubasher Lucman and his programme “Khara Sach” on Saturday.
Earlier on Friday, the LHC issued bailable arrest warrants of ARY News chief executive officer Salman Iqbal, Mubashir Lucman, the programme’s producer and one Asim Malik for not appearing before the court despite having been summoned.
The court placed restrictions on airing of the show and participation of the anchor in any other TV programme.
It ordered inclusion of the name of Mubashir Lucman in the Exit Control List (ECL) and summoned the attorney general, Punjab advocate general, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) director general and Lahore district coordination officer on October 21.
Justice Syed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi issued the orders while hearing a suo motu notice against the respondents for airing an interview of Asim Malik, owner of a firm, Future Concern, in which serious allegations had been levelled against him.
