ISLAMABAD, DEC 31 (DNA) – Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has put 30 days ban on broadcast of program “Harf-e-Raaz” by Orya Maqbool Jan on NEO TV, for violating Section 20 of PEMRA Ordinance 2002 as amended by PEMRA (Amendment) Act, 2007 and 2018, Rule 15 (1) of PEMRA Rules 2009 read with Clause 3(1)(d), 3(1)(f), 3(1)(l), 3(3), 4(7)(c), 4(10), 5, 12, 13, 17, 23 & 24 of Electronic Media (Programmes and Advertisements) Code of Conduct-2015, Article 5 of Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Section 11-W of Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997 and orders of the Hon’ble Baluchistan High Court in the matter of CP No. 227/2013 dated 02.05.2013.

The prohibition is in pursuance to the show cause notices issued to NEO TV on 07.12.2018 for violating the laws of land, orders of Hon’ble Supreme Court of Pakistan, High Courts, PEMRA laws as well as Electronic Media (Programmes and Advertisements) Code of Conduct, 2015 for airing programme “Harf-e-Raaz” hosted by Mr. Jamil Farooqi and Orya Maqbool Jan, on 04.12.2018, at 11.05 p.m. in  which they invited spokesperson of banned outfit “Tehreek-e-Taliban” on live call in the show and solicited his views on national and foreign policy of the Government of Pakistan vis-à-vis national security issues. Similarly, the channel was issued another show cause notice on 12.12.2018 for the same program for airing insulting remarks of Mr. Orya Maqbool Jan against “Pashtoons”.

In case of non-compliance, strict legal action shall be initiated under Section 29 & 30 of PEMRA Ordinance 2002 as amended by PEMRA (Amendment) Act, 2007 and 2018 which may result in suspension/ revocation of license.”=DNA

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