KARACHI: Pakistan Electronic Media Regularity Authority (PEMRA) has suspended the license of ‘ARY News’ for 15 days, the reason behind the suspension haven’t defined yet.
PEMRA has also imposed fine of Rs. 10 million on ARY News.
Anchor Mubashir Lucman talking to ARY News said that some high profile personalities continuously pressurizing the authority to suspend ARY News. He said it is unjust and biased decision adding that the channel is delivering real facts to its audience.
Chairman of Cable Operators Association Khalid Arain denounced the PEMRA’s stance of suspending ARY News and termed it as the reprisal. He appealed authority to review the decision.
Private member of PEMRA Mian Shams termed ARY suspension illegal by saying that it is mandatory to notify about the meeting but no private member was made informed about it.
Political leadership of country also condemned the decision. MQM Chief Altaf Hussain said that ARY News has been punished for delivering the truth.
Vice Chairman and deputy parliamentary leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf PTI Shah Mehmod Qureshi said government would not get anything from the decision asking to review it.
Pakistan Federal Union of Journalist (PFUJ) has given three days ultimatum to withdraw the decision and announced countrywide protest against the suspension of ARY News.
