Pemra orders Bol News, Aamir Liaquat to apologise on air

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) on Monday directed TV anchor Aamir Liaquat Hussain to apologise on air for indulging in hate speech during the transmission of his show on Bol News.

“On or before March 31, 2017, the channel and Dr Aamir Liaquat, shall separately, during the same time slot of the programme ‘Aisay Nahi Chalay Ga’, by specifically naming all individual complainants against whom hate speech was aired, apologise unconditionally to the viewers for airing the hate-speech,” Pemra said in a statement.

“The channel shall also ensure that text to the same effect is also scrolled/displayed on the screen during the entire programme wherein Dr Aamir Liaquat apologises to viewers,” the notice added.

The media regulatory authority also imposed a fine of Rs1 million on the channel which is to be deposited within 15 days.

Following the issuance of the notice, Bol News is required to submit and affidavit by March 31, ensuring that no hate speech will be aired in future. Further, the notice stated that in case of non-compliance, the ban will once again come into effect from April 1.

Pemra on January 26, banned with immediate effect anchorman Aamir’s show on Bol News TV channel for delivering hate speech.

According to the order conveyed to the channel’s management, “Aamir Liaquat shall not host any programme, or appear on TV in any manner (fresh, old or repeat) including (but not limited to) as a guest, analyst, reporter, actor, in audio, video beeper, promo/advertisement of his programme or in person, in any manner whatsoever, on Bol News screen with immediate effect.” The authority warned that if the management of Bol News failed to comply with the order, it would suspend the licence of the channel as well.

Earlier this month, the Supreme Court announced it will monitor Aamir show. The anchor gave an undertaking before the SC stating he will not conduct any programme, which may promote hate or go against the ideology of Pakistan.

However, a three-judge bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar asked Aamir to send a transcript of his show to the registrar’s office on a daily basis.

Source: The Express Tribune