Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader, Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that PEMRA is not independent in making its decisions, while his party stands with ARY News on the issue. Asad Umar said that the decision shows regulatory institutions of the state are under the influence of the government.
Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) member, Haider Abbas Rizvi said that the closure of ARY News is no solution to the issue.
Awami Muslim League (AML) chief, Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed said that the rulers want to hide their failures through the decision against ARY News.
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader, Owais Muzaffar declared PEMRA’s decision of suspending the license as negation of democratic values.
Awami National Party (ANP) lawmaker, Senator Haji Adeel however suggested the arrest of PEMRA officials, instead of putting a ban on ARY News.
All these political leaders referred to the decision as an attack on media freedom in the country.
