ARY's license suspended on orders of PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif issued direct orders to Pakistan Electronic and Regulatory Authority (Pemra) for closure of ARY News across the country, ARY News reported Saturday.

Following the orders of the prime minister, Pemra suspended license of ARY News for 15 days along with a fine of Rs 10 million.

Sources told that PM had issued direct orders to the Pemra, while in a gathering yesterday, PM Sharif had expressed his displeasure for ARY News, though he did not name the channel.

In a gathering, the PM had said, “… Some channels are showing another world on their channels…”

Countrywide protest demonstrations are being held against suspension of ARY News license. Journalists in all provinces staged protest rallies in Karachi, Lahore, Multan and other cities and denounced the government action. Journalists in Lahore threatened to launch ‘Jail Bharo Tehreek’ (court arrest movement) if government did not withdraw its decision by June 25.