Pakistan Media Watchdog Prohibits TV Channels Airtime for 11 Critics of Military and Shehbaz Sharif Government
The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) has issued a directive prohibiting TV channels from giving airtime to 11 individuals who have been accused of criticizing the military and the previous government led by Shehbaz Sharif. These individuals, including journalists and former government officials, have been declared proclaimed offenders or absconders by courts. The directive was issued based on a decision from the Sindh High Court, which stated that such individuals cannot enjoy certain rights, such as appearing on television.
In accordance with Section 27 of the Pemra Ordinance 2002, the directive states that media coverage of the aforementioned individuals is prohibited on electronic media. News channels have been warned of serious penalties in case of a violation of the directive, and the matter has been referred to the Council of Complaints.
The 11 individuals who are affected by the directive include journalists Sabir Shakir, Moid Peerzada, Wajahat Saeed Khan, and Shaheen Sehbai, who are considered supporters of former premier Imran Khan. They have been implicated in various cases and declared proclaimed offenders for failing to appear before courts. Additionally, Ali Nawaz Awan, Murad Saeed, and Hammad Azhar were part of Khan’s government. Adil Farooq Raja, a former Army major residing in the UK, has been highly critical of the Army due to its treatment of Khan.
These measures are seen as tactics to silence critics in Pakistan. The tenure of the Sharif-led government ended when the National Assembly was dissolved on August 9, paving the way for a neutral caretaker setup until the next general elections.
It is crucial to adhere to journalistic integrity by presenting a balanced view of the topic and including different perspectives and opinions where relevant. The situation has sparked concern regarding freedom of speech and media independence in Pakistan, as critics argue that silencing voices of dissent undermines democracy. These developments will undoubtedly spark further debate and raise questions about the future of media freedom in the country.
