Violation of Pemra rules – Pakistan Freedom of Expression Monitor

Geo blamed no institution including army, Pemra told

Web Desk — Wed, 07 May 2014 06:48:03 +0000

ISLAMABAD: Geo News and the Jang Group on Tuesday made it clear during the hearing held at the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) that the broadcast mentioned in the complaint was the opinion of an individual, having nothing to do with the Jang Group.

Senior lawyer Akram Sheikh appeared on behalf of Geo News during the hearing at the authority’s headquarters while Dr Babar Awan represented the Ministry of Defence and ISI. Arguments have been completed from both sides and after the next session on May 9, the authority will take a decision.

Akram Sheikh contended that Geo News has not levelled any allegation against any state institution, including the army, and noted that in case of any illegal action against Geo News, the proper judicial forum would be approached.

He maintained that without its chairman, Pemra was incomplete and hence a hearing could not be held. In this connection, he referred to a judgement, wherein the Supreme Court (SC) judge Justice Jawad S Khawaja had made it clear that the authority would not be complete without its chairman.

He said no evidence is being offered to substantiate the allegations being levelled against Geo. As regards the track record and services of the Jang Group, the senior lawyer reminded the forum of the Jang Group’s valuable services spread over 75 years and said it has played a crucial part in the creation and strengthening of Pakistan.

He charged that the Ministry of Defence, ISI and Pemra, all state institutions, are harming the credibility of the group by levelling baseless allegations without providing any evidence that it was anti-Pakistan. He called for the withdrawal of these allegations against the group.

Akram Sheikh pointed out that their appearance in the hearing was a goodwill gestureand that not a single word was used against the military in its transmission, as the Jang Group considered military as the lifeline of Pakistan and accord utmost respect to it.

The senior lawyer contended the show-cause notice to Geo News was served in indecent haste, as a three-judge Judicial Commission has already been formed to probe the attack on Hamid Mir. He said raising this issue at Pemra separately amounts to meddling in the working of the commission. He added that the findings of the commission should be awaited.

At one point, Pemra Member Israr Abbasi said they want to decide the matter today (Tuesday). He said, “I know Mr Akram Sheikh the tactics you are trying to use.” At this, Sheikh replied, “You are using non-parliamentary language. You have repeated four times that you want to decide the matter today, which shows you are not impartial.”

In protest against Abbasi’s attitude, Sheikh walked out and returned after some time. He said that it should be put on the record that Abbasi’s attitude is inappropriate.He pointed out that the complaint by the Ministry of Defence was received on April 22 at night, whereas its official working hours end at 4pm. He added the next day, in less than 24 hours, a notice was served on Geo News that reflected Pemra’s mala fide intention.

The senior lawyer made it clear that the stance of Geo/Jang Group on accepting the notice and Pemra’s authority should not be construed as ultimate and final.

On his part, Dr Babar Awan criticised Geo News and alleged it had targeted both the army and ISI during its transmission and contended it was clear violation of the Pemra rules; therefore, immediate action should be taken against it and its transmission be closed down.

After the hearing, talking to a group of media persons, Dr Awan said that arguments from both sides had been completed and the matter would be referred to the complainant authority for consideration.He claimed to have understood the case well for he himself had been a victim of the media trial.

He was asked by Geo that since he himself had been biased towards the media, how could be fight the case on behalf of ISI on merit. He replied, “You have asked a good question. But it is not necessary to answer every question.”

Journalists, who gathered at Pemra Headquarters, to cover the proceedings, were not allowed to enter the premises and had to wait outside the main gate to get details of what happened inside during the course of hearing.

The News

Moves on the media

Web Desk — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 12:20:16 +0000

Pemra has been ‘called upon’ to suspend, and eventually cancel, the licences of Geo TV. Rules are being used from the Pemra Ordinance pertaining to the “sovereignty, integrity and security” of the country. Precedents are dangerous things. Should any attempt be made to clamp down on Geo TV following the complaint made against its coverage of the issue of the murder attack on senior journalist Hamid Mir and the fingers being pointed in the affair, it would be a particularly damaging blow to our democracy and all that it stands for. Reports are already coming in of Geo’s transmissions having been forcibly shut down in several areas. It should be clear that Geo is not guilty of the ludicrous accusations lodged against it with Pemra. Neither has it outright accused the ISI chief of being guilty in the affair. The freedom of the media is after all essential to any country that claims to run along democratic lines. No institution, no individual, no organisation has any right to intervene in this. Of course the media, as a powerful organ which influences people, must exhibit responsibility in all that it broadcasts and writes. Mistakes in this respect are made from time to time in our country – as they are all over the world. But the issue concerning the wrath of the ISI regarding the accusations it says were made against its chief is one that should never have been taken so far. Such affairs can be sorted out between Pemra and the channel itself. Where necessary, any violation of the Pemra code of conduct can be discussed and laid-down action taken. Going beyond this would be a huge disservice to the nation and its people. In this case, the media is essentially being told that retribution should be expected should certain institutions or individuals from them ever be crossed. The last time power was abused was when Pervez Musharraf shut down news channels that were critical of his imposition of emergency.

A mindset that believes that any criticism of one’s action or any questioning of one’s motives is tantamount to threatening the country only goes to show the excessively high regard some institutions hold themselves in – at the cost of others. True patriotism, borne out of love for country, demands that those who hold power be held accountable and are subject to tough questioning. What is happening now in the form of the threat to Geo TV could affect anyone else, any other media body in the future. Games of one-upmanship must not be played and petty politics abandoned. There were reports that Defence Minister Khwaja Asif was opposed to approaching Pemra. He too has come in for a lot of flak after some of his old speeches surfaced and were played ad nauseum on television. The government should be able to play its role without being intimidated or influenced by any quarters and by standing on the side of what lies within our constitution. The government and the military both need to ensure that they act in the interest of the country and its people as a whole. What we need at this time is good sense, reason and fair play above all else. What is of paramount importance is to defend the freedom of the media and ensure it can function as a means to bring news and opinion of every kind to people. Tolerance for this opinion must increase. A blanking out of screens could only worsen the situation we already face and add to the lack of transparency we already suffer from in a country where too many secrets lurk.

The News

Pemra issues notice to Geo

Web Desk — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 08:35:52 +0000

ISLAMABAD: The Geo TV management on Wednesday received a show cause notice from the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulation Authority (Pemra) wherein it had been asked to immediately stop airing any content in violation of the Pemra rules.

In the notice, the Pemra directed chief executive officer (CEO) of Geo News to appear before it for personal hearing on May 6 at 11:00am at its headquarters here.

The Pemra said in the notice that a complaint was received on Tuesday from the Ministry of Defence, initiated by the Directorate General ISI with CDs (video recording) and a copy of transcript.

It said that after firing on the car of anchorperson Hamid Mir, the channel launched a “malicious campaign” airing “false accusations” against the ISI and its senior officers.The notice said it had been further alleged by Deputy Director General ISI that the “reporting made and programmes aired can’t be viewed as a single event. GEO Network had a history of acting illegally in furtherance of anti-Pakistan agenda.”

The Pemra noted in the notice that “whereas the content of the complaint and video recordings provided by the complainant appear to be in violation of the Section 20 of the Pemra Ordinance, Rule 15 of Pemra rules, 2009 read with clause (d) (e) (g) (h) and (j) of Pemra Code of Conduct as well as Regulation 18 (i) (c) of Pemra (Television Broadcast Station Operation Regulations), 2012 and clause 29 of the terms and conditions of the licence, you had signed.”

The News

PEMRA to conclude hearing within week

Web Desk — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 09:32:21 +0000

Islamabad: Ministry of Defense’s reference against Geo TV may not only result in cancellation of its license but the continual violation of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority’s (Pemra) rules may also bring three-year-imprisonment with hard labour to the people involved.

The Minister of defense on Tuesday sent to Pemra a regular reference for imposing a ban on Geo. According to its rules, Pemra will issue show cause notices to the violators, who will be allowed the opportunity of personal hearing.

After receiving a complaint against any TV channel, Pemra constitution a board, headed by the authority’s chairman. However, in the absence of a permanent chairman, the authority’s caretaker chairman Pervaiz Rathore will hear the reference.

According to the law the board will have to complete the process from issuance of notice to the personal hearing within one week.

Express Tribune