Non-compliance will result in legal action against BOL under PEMRA laws, says regulatory authority
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on Friday barred BOL Newsfrom broadcasting or rebroadcasting any content against the Geo Group, its management and their families immediately, warning that in case of non-compliance, legal action will be initiated against M/s Labbaik (Pvt) Ltd, the parent company of BOL News.
In its order, PEMRA said that the channel had been prohibited under Section 27 of the PEMRA Ordinance, 2002, as amended by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act, 2007. In case of non-compliance, legal action will be initiated under Section 29, 30 and 33 of PEMRA laws, the regulator warned.
“PEMRA is in receipt of three complaints of May 09, 12 and 15, 2020 filed by M/s Independent Media Corporation (Pvt) Ltd/Geo News against M/s Labbaik (Pvt) Ltd. for airing false and frivolous allegations against the management of Geo Group,” it said.
The regulatory authority noted that the prohibited content was aired on April 24 this year at 15:51 hrs, 21:48 hrs, 22:31 hrs and on May 13, 2020 at 21:53 hrs in the form of news story/tickers; and repeatedly broadcasted in different programmes, including news headlines/stories, news tickers and others in the first week of May this year.
“These complaints, along with CDs received from Geo Group, were forwarded to the channel on June 12, which were returned, as no one was willing to receive them. Subsequently, these were delivered to the company by hand, but the company did not give any response and even on the day of issuance of this order, there has been no response from them,” noted the order.
"In view of the regional council of complaints being dysfunctional, PEMRA examined the matter and noted that the content was extremely dangerous and can put anyone’s life in danger including their family members as well. It is also explored that whenever the content was aired on BOL News, there was never any supportive material, documents or evidence provided to prove its authenticity,” the order said.
In its order, PEMRA referred to the Supreme Court of Pakistan in case PLD 2018 SC72 (suo motu) 7/2017, in which it had held that it is a matter of grave concern when inflammatory, provocative or abusive statements are broadcast as these have the effect of fanning the flames, and that broadcasters cannot encourage violence, activism, militancy or hatred.
The apex court had, it noted, directed extreme vigilance of electronic media to ensure that the electronic media is strictly complying with the provisions of PEMRA Ordinance, failing which they should be proceeded against as per the law.
It also cited that on defiance of the Supreme Court order of March 6, 2017, the apex court had initiated contempt proceedings on petitions No. 58 and 65 of 2017, regarding wild allegations levelled against Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman. However, after acceptance of an apology, tendered by Dr Amir Liaquat Hussain on December 13, 2018, had disposed of the matter accordingly.
The order also mentioned the undertakings given by Dr Shahid Masood and News One channel, noting that the apex court had said that these could be taken up by the court at any time in case of any deviation is brought to the notice of this court.
PEMRA added that considering preceding judgements and laws, the contents aired by BOL News are uncalled for, unqualified and inequitable.
It noted the channel, while airing the content, i.e. ‘hate speech’, had never shown, displayed or produced any documentary evidence to substantiate the authenticity and facts of the content nor provided its platform to theGeo Group for responding to allegations levelled thereof by the channel.
“This is ample reason to prohibit telecast of content on the channel. The Supreme Court in the matter of suo motu case no 28 of 2018 directed PEMRA to ensure implementation of its code of conduct and PEMRA has from time to time, directed all licensees, including M/s Labbaik (Pvt) Ltd to show utmost care while reporting news, passing remarks and airing any material which might lead to unrest and conflict in the society,” it added.