JournalismPakistan.com | Published May 05, 2018 | JP Staff Report
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has fined 16 news channels Rs 1 million each for airing false news that the Lahore High Court had imposed a ban on the broadcast of speeches of Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz.
The channels penalized are Royal News, Din News, 92 News, Dunya, Channel 5, Aaj, Express News, Roze TV, Samaa TV, DawnNews, ARY News, Waqt, BOL, KTN, Koh-e-Noor, and Geo News.
Mashriq TV, however, escaped with a fine of Rs200,000 for only running a ticker.
All 17 channels were issued show-cause notices on April 19.
PEMRA has also directed the erring news organizations to air an apology during prime time on May 6. The regulatory authority emphasized the importance of responsible journalism and accurate reporting, stating that disseminating false information undermines public trust in the media. This move by PEMRA aims to ensure adherence to journalistic standards and prevent future recurrence of such incidents.
Additionally, PEMRA reiterated its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the media landscape in Pakistan, urging all media outlets to verify news reports thoroughly before broadcasting. The regulatory body warned that stricter penalties would be imposed for future violations.
February 26, 2025: An in-depth analysis of the Punjab Government's excessive self-promotion through media, costing taxpayers millions while masquerading propaganda as achievements.
February 25, 2025: The Punjab government faces criticism for spending millions in taxpayer money on misleading front-page advertisements across major Pakistani newspapers, raising serious questions about media integrity and public resource management.
January 23, 2025: An in-depth look at the recent scuffle on a Pakistani talk show, its implications for media ethics, and the urgent need for TV channels to uphold decorum during debates.
December 18, 2024: A critical examination of dangerous medical misinformation broadcast on Pakistan Television, exposing how political propaganda can potentially harm cancer patients by spreading false treatment narratives.
December 17, 2024: Geo News faces criticism after a homophobic tweet targeting Richard Grenell, a Trump advisor advocating for Imran Khan's release, which was subsequently deleted.
November 29, 2024: Suno TV faces criticism for targeting senior journalist Matiullah Jan with a smear campaign following his controversial abduction and arrest. This raises serious concerns about media ethics and press freedom in Pakistan.
August 17, 2024: A viral video exposes a shocking reality about Pakistani media, where fake news circulates unchecked. The clip, featuring a false report on the arrest of former IG of Jails, Shahid Saleem, highlights the pervasive issue of yellow journalism and raises questions about news credibility.
July 25, 2024: Dr. Omar Adil's sexist remarks against female journalists, including Gharidah Farooqi, have ignited widespread criticism, calling for full accountability and stronger actions against misogynistic language in the industry.
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.