ISLAMABAD: The whip has been cracked on Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority’s (PEMRA) three members, who had ordered action against Jang/Geo Group during an unauthorized meeting two days ago.
The show-cause notices were served on Pemra’s private members Israr Abbasi, Mian Shams, and Fareeha Ikhtiar for misusing their powers, violating the authority’s code of conduct, and badmouthing Pemra.
Announcing immediate suspension of their broadcasting licences, these members had issued directives to seal the offices of three Geo channels on Tuesday.
It is noteworthy that the broadcasting licences of Geo TV (Entertainment), Geo News and Geo Tez were suspended by these members during a meeting held to review complaints filed against Jang/Geo Group for airing controversial content in its morning show 'Utho Jago Pakistan' and allegations that Pakistan's spymaster, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), was behind the murder attempt on senior journalist Hamid Mir.
Hours later, a Pemra spokesman officially declared the meeting held as well as the decisions taken by the 'show-caused' members as illegal.
“Pemra disowns the decisions announced by three of its members regarding cancellation of Geo TV (Entertainment), Geo News, and Geo Tez licenses as the meeting, during which these actions were taken, was unauthorized”, said an official clarification issued here on Tuesday evening.
