Pemra bars Hamza Ali Abbasi from hosting Ramazan show

“In spite of clear directives by Pemra, TV channel owners, anchorpersons and participants crossed all the limits so much so that Parliament’s unanimous decisions were aimlessly discussed on TV screens, and in return decrees were aired against the ones leading such discussions in return,” Pemra said in a statement today.

The regulatory body said that, to prevent further worsening of situation and keeping in view numerous complaints received, it has immediately imposed a ban on Ramazan shows on two private TV channels hosted by Hamza Ali Abbasi and Shabbir Abu Talib.

Both the TV channels were ordered to ensure implementation of Pemra’s decision from 7 pm today, according to the statement. All concerned distribution networks have been issued directives in this regard.

Pemra warned that if the two hosts and their guest spoke of this matter or uttered anything controversial on any other channel, then the very program of that channel will also be banned.

The media watchdog referred the case to Complaints Council Karachi, which will announce its verdict on June 20 after listening to all the parties. All those concerned were also issued summons in this regard.