ARY News channel’s license suspended for 15 days

The Pemra also imposed a fine of Rs10 million on ARY News for airing a derogatory programme against the judiciary

ISLAMABAD: In compliance with an order of the Lahore High Court (LHC), the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) banned on Monday a local TV channel, ARY News for a period of 15 days and imposed a fine of Rs10 million for airing a derogatory programme against the judiciary.

A special meeting of Pemra was called in today to review the talk show anchored by Mubasher Lucman on the orders of LHC. Pemra officials found the show in contravention with the Pemra act and it’s code of conduct.

The regulatory authority had also banned Lucman and his programme “Khara Sach” on Saturday.

Earlier on Friday, the LHC issued bailable arrest warrants of ARY News chief executive officer Salman Iqbal, Mubashir Lucman, the programme’s producer and one Asim Malik for not appearing before the court despite having been summoned.

The court placed restrictions on airing of the show and participation of the anchor in any other TV programme.

It ordered inclusion of the name of Lucman in the Exit Control List (ECL) and summoned the attorney general, Punjab advocate general, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) director general and Lahore district coordination officer on Oct 21.

Justice Syed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi issued the orders while hearing a suo motu notice against the respondents for airing an interview of Asim Malik, owner of a firm, Future Concern, in which serious allegations had been levelled against him.