Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on June 6, 2014 suspended Geo TV’s license for 15 days and imposed a fine of Rs10 million (US$ 100,000) , on a complaint filed by the Ministry of Defence on April 22 against airing unsubstantiated allegations against the chief of Pakistan military Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI).
The five-member committee of PEMRA suspended the licenses of Geo News, Geo Entertainment and Geo Tez TV out of five TV channels owned and operated by Geo/Jang group.
According to a PEMRA press release the fine has to be paid before the expiry of suspension period. It was also decided that in case of repeated violation by Geo TV the regulatory agency shall initiate proceedings for the revocation of the license.
Earlier on May 20, Pemra’s private members had announced their decision to suspend the licences of Geo News, Geo Entertainment and Geo Tez till May 28. However, the decision was disowned by the Pemra spokesperson hours after the announcement. Geo News had already apologised for the airing of unsubstantiated allegations.
Pakistan Press Foundation