Condemnations pour in over PEMRA's move to subdue voice of truth

Members of the journalist fraternity and different political parties strongly condemned the decision of subduing the voice of truth. They were of the view that PEMRA cannot suspend the license of any media entity without issuing a prior notice to it and listening to its stance on the issue.

ARY News’ senior anchorperson, Kashif Abbasi said that this is not the first time that PEMRA tried to silence a vibrant voice. He said that the government officials are following dual-standards in this regard.

“On one hand government members support a news channel at the floor of the National Assembly and lay forth arguments in favor of it, while on the other they are suppressing the other entity for voicing the truth”, said Abbasi.

The president of Karachi Union of Journalist (KUJ), GM Jamali said that the journalist fraternity will not tolerate such attacks on the freedom of media and suggested ARY News to consult the court on the issue.

Irfan Qadir Advocate said that today’s decision of PEMRA contradicts the SC verdict of June 19, 2014. He added that PEMRA did not follow the rules of procedure regarding ARY News.

The president of Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), Afzal Butt said that the voice of media cannot be quelled through state oppression.

Meanwhile, PPP leader Shaukat Basra while talking to ARY News said that present rulers are products of dictatorship and they cannot tolerate anyone opposing them.

ARY News Sukkur bureau chief, Lala Asad Pathan said that PEMRA’s decision of suspending ARY News’ license is beyond understanding.

Chairman of Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), Hamid Raza said that his party entirely rejects PEMRA’s decision and it will not hold back from taking to roads against it. He added if required SIC will also stage a protest by surrounding the PEMRA office.

Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) leader, Raheeq Abbasi said that the government is trying to overcome the voice of truth through cheap tactics.

“The way ARY News is exposing the corruption of the government and informing the masses about misdeeds of the rulers, it is quite offending for them”, he added.

Abbasi said that his party had informed about the decision yesterday and the Awami Tehreek entirely turns down it.

PTI leader, Ali Zaidi said neither the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif speaks truth himself, nor he can withstand anyone speaking fair. He said that this petty move by the government will eventually fail and encouraged ARY News to keep exposing the corrupt rulers.

Zaidi further stated with full confidence that ARY News, making its way through all this, will come up stronger than before.