PEMRA issues show cause notice to ARY for broadcasting 'false news' at cable gate

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has issued a show cause notice to ARY News for broadcasting 'false / unverifi...

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has issued a show cause notice to ARY News for broadcasting 'false / unverified news' from unverified sources regarding the position of former Pakistani Ambassador to the US Asad Majeed on the 'Cable Gate' controversy.

 

Pakistani Ambassador Asad Majeed Briefs National Security Committee — File / Photo: Anatolia News Agency

According to the show cause notice, the channel broadcast a news regarding the position of the ambassador in the meeting of the National Security Committee at 6:52 pm.

 

Read more: No foreign conspiracy proved to remove Imran Khan government: National Security Committee

The notice states that ARY News, citing sources, claimed that Asad Majeed had reiterated his position at the NSC meeting that the details of the letter were interference in internal affairs and that it was a "fact" that the letter contained threats. Derogatory language was used while the ambassador stood his ground despite government pressure.

 

PEMRA said that broadcasting "false / uncertified news" from unverified sources without taking Asad Majeed's position seems to be an intentional act of ARY and an act of defaming state institutions.

PEMRA said that the move was against the prevailing journalistic ethics where the official statement of the National Security Committee was issued and despite this ARY News had resorted to unverified sources with the intention of misleading the viewers.

It was further stated that the broadcast of false news and unverified content has raised concerns regarding the performance of the channel's editorial board and the gatekeeping tools used.

The notice said, “Dissemination of such false news is in accordance with Section 20F of the PEMRA Ordinance 2000 Amendment Act 2007, with clauses 3 (IK), 4 (1) of the Electronic Media (Programs and Advertising) Code of Conduct 2015. , 4 (two), 4 (four), 4 (seven), 4 (ten), 5, 17 and 24, in addition to the violation of the Supreme Court's self notice No. 28 of 2018, which was reported to the channel at different times. Is'.

The notice directed the executive officer of ARY Communications Limited to respond in writing to the show cause notice within 7 days to avoid legal action, impose penalty in the action, suspend the license under sections 29 and 30. Karna and other measures under the PEMRA Ordinance 2002.

It was further stated that the CEO would appear in person or through an authorized representative at the hearing on April 29 at 11:30 am at PEMRA Headquarters Islamabad with a written reply.

Read also: National Security Committee declaration strengthens PTI's position: Shah Mehmood Qureshi

The notice said that in case of non-compliance, action would be taken against the licensee in accordance with the relevant laws of PEMRA.

'Negative politics'

On the other hand, PTI leader and former Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry had said on Twitter yesterday that ARY chief Salman Iqbal was facing pressure.

He said that the ARY team should show strong nerves to ignore any kind of pressure and stand by the truth.

In addition, Federal Minister for Information Maryam Aurangzeb issued a statement rejecting ARY' "misleading" claims but did not name the channel.

Also read: Post is interference in Pakistan affairs, will respond diplomatically, National Security Committee

He said that in the meeting of the National Security Committee, the ambassador stated his position, the details of the letter and the background but broadcasting such news after the ambassador position clearly shows that it is 'negative politics'.

The Information Minister said that "presenting lies as news is tantamount to stabbing Pakistan in the interest of national security".

The Foreign Office also issued a statement regarding the incident and said that the ambassador briefed the NSC on the background and details of the letter and presented his professional review.

The statement said that the ambassador's briefing and review was in line with the statement issued on the sidelines of the National Security Committee meeting.
Cable gate

Ever since Imran Khan was ousted by the opposition in the National Assembly through a no-confidence motion, Imran Khan has termed the Shahbaz government as 'imported'.

The former prime minister said the no-confidence motion against him was part of a foreign conspiracy, claiming that on March 7, a day before the opposition filed a formal no-confidence motion against him, The cable received is proof of this conspiracy.

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The issue was first raised by Imran Khan at a public rally on March 27.

It may be recalled that former Prime Minister Imran Khan, while addressing a rally at the Parade Ground in Islamabad on March 27, took out a letter from his pocket and said that the country was trying to change the government with the help of money from abroad. We have been threatened in writing.

He said that today I am suing the nation for the independence of Pakistan, I am not making allegations, the letter I have is proof and I want to say in front of everyone today that no one is doubting Yes, I will invite them to speak off the record and you can see for yourself what kind of talk I am talking about.

He said that he was speaking openly in front of everyone, there are many things on external conspiracy which will be brought to light in due course and very soon, the nation wants to know with whom he is sitting in London. And the characters sitting in Pakistan are running on whose orders.

However, Prime Minister Imran Khan took a letter out of his pocket on this occasion, waved it in front of the people and put it back without reading it.

Surprisingly, Federal Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid had expressed ignorance regarding any letter.

Also read: Notice of the Propaganda Campaign on 'Army and Society'

A few days later, on April 3, Imran Khan had said that the letter contained details of the Pakistani ambassador's meeting with US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Low, in which a US official allegedly threatened Pakistan. Had given

Asad Majeed had allegedly said in the letter that Donald Lowe had warned that Imran Khan retention as Prime Minister would have a negative impact on bilateral relations. And the visit was angry with Moscow.

At a party rally in Lahore yesterday, Imran Khan had appealed to the entire nation to be ready for a nationwide movement for "real" freedom and democracy.

He had said that I am calling not only PTI but the whole of Pakistan, you all have to prepare in the streets, cities and villages, you have to wait for my call when I call you all to Islamabad. Will