JournalismPakistan.com | Published September 22, 2016
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD - Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority has Roze TV Rs 200,000 for airing unfounded and baseless allegations against Dr Fouzia Saeed, Executive Director Lok Virsa.
The authority’s Council of Complaints in its 41st meeting Thursday also directed the channel to air an apology during prime time programming in the same manner and with the same magnitude withinin seven days. In case of non-compliance, the organization's license will be revoked, the recommendation said. The council also warned them not to violate PEMRA laws again.
The decision comes following a complaint by Dr. Fauzia against the channel for airing unfounded allegations against her in the programme "Bay Naqab" aired on June 5, 2016.
The complainant in her application maintained that “anchorperson Naveed Satti tried to blackmail the national institution for his ulterior motives through his programme without obtaining any point of view of Lok Virsa management or conducting proper research on the issue. He made personal attacks on the Lok Virsa Executive Director showing her personal photographs and making unfounded allegations which could pose serious threat to her life and her family."
She said the reporting violated basic journalistic ethics, fundamental rights and was a clear violation of Clause-8 of the Code of Conduct for Electronic Media 2015.
The complainant asked the council to ask the anchor to submit any evidence in support of his allegations regarding appointments and other matters. Subsequently, the content of the programme in point was played during the hearing of the case wherein it was observed that the anchorperson had made serious allegations against the Lok Virsa official about her appointment, printing expenses, and celebration of Basant festival.
The council asked the anchor to submit any evidence in his defense, but he failed to do so and sought more time. He was then directed to submit evidence at the next hearing.
During the 40th council meeting the complainant appeared in person but Nadeem Tanoli a coordinator appeared before the council informing them the anchor was not in the country and again sought an adjournment.
The channel could not prove the allegations despite being given three opportunities. On Thursday the complainant’s representatives appeared before the council and the respondent anchorperson represented the channel. He was asked to prove his allegations and produce any evidence but he failed to do so.
Related posts from JournalismPakistan.com Archives:
Roze TV errs, gets PEMRA notice
April 11, 2025: Sindhi journalist AD Shar was brutally murdered in Khairpur, Sindh. His body was found dumped on Handiyari Link Road. PFUJ has declared a three-day mourning period and demanded justice.
April 10, 2025: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir government has filed a case against The Daily Jammu & Kashmir and its staff for alleged fake news, drawing condemnation from PFUJ and IFJ, who demand immediate withdrawal of the FIR and an end to media repression in Pakistan.
April 08, 2025: Journalist Arzoo Kazmi alleges that Pakistan's state agencies, including the FIA, have blocked her CNIC, passport, and bank account while threatening her. She calls it a direct attack on journalism.
April 07, 2025: The Islamabad High Court has directed IG Islamabad to produce journalist Ahmad Noorani’s missing brothers, as the Ministry of Defence denies custody. SIM activity was traced in Bahawalpur, and investigations into their suspected abduction continue.
April 07, 2025: Journalist and Raftar founder Farhan Mallick has been granted bail by a Karachi court in a case concerning anti-state content aired on his YouTube channel. He still faces separate charges related to an alleged illegal call center and data theft.
April 03, 2025: Veteran journalist Ghulam Abbas Shah has joined Discover Pakistan Television as the Head of Programming. With 25 years of experience in leading news organizations, he looks forward to contributing to quality storytelling and content.
April 02, 2025: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has strongly condemned the visit of a group of Pakistani journalists to Israel, calling it a violation of journalistic ethics and a betrayal of press freedom and human rights. PFUJ demands a transparent investigation into the matter.
March 30, 2025: Dawn criticizes Pakistan’s plan to use TV dramas against extremism, highlighting financial and digital challenges. Can media alone solve deep-rooted issues?
April 03, 2025 The International Press Institute (IPI) and International Media Support (IMS) invite nominations for the 2025 World Press Freedom Hero and Free Media Pioneer Awards. Recognizing courageous journalists and innovative media, the awards will be presented at IPI’s 75th-anniversary World Congress in Vienna. Submit your nominations by April 30, 2025.
April 01, 2025 Photojournalist Suresh Rajak was burned alive while covering a violent protest in Kathmandu. The IFJ and its affiliates condemn the attack and call for an urgent investigation to hold the perpetrators accountable.
April 01, 2025 Assam Police arrested digital journalist Dilwar Hussain Mozumder for covering a protest against alleged corruption at Assam Co-Operative Bank. Media organizations have condemned the arrest, calling it an attack on press freedom.
March 29, 2025 A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to dismantle Voice of America (VOA), ruling that the move likely violated legal procedures. The decision protects over 1,200 journalists and media staff.
March 28, 2025 Turkey deports BBC journalist Mark Lowen over 'public order' threat and fines opposition TV channels covering Istanbul Mayor's arrest. Critics condemn crackdown on press freedom amid rising political tensions.