Pemra stops electronic media from airing hate speech

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulator Authority (Pemra) has invoked Section 27 of Pemra Amendment Act 2007, and stopped broadcast media from airing any such speech or material that may harm national interest.

Earlier, Pemra had issued show cause notices to 14 TV channels for airing Muttahida Qaumi Movement Chief Altaf Hussain’s speech and noted this was against the integrity of the country and its institutions.

The authority also warned all TV channels to immediately ensure delay mechanism to avoid such unwanted telecasts and cautioned that non-compliance of these directives could result in stern action under the Pemra laws.Earlier, the government moved had Pemra to take action against the TV channels that had broadcast the ‘hate speech’ by Altaf Hussain.

A letter written by Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid to the caretaker chairman of PEMRA said despite supporting freedom of the media, the government condemns the elements that spread hate in the society.

Seeking action in accordance with Section-27 of the PEMRA Act, the letter said that the action should be directed towards TV channels for violating rules and regulations. It added that the speech incited hate in the masses.

The information minister had earlier said that needless criticism of national security institutions can be declared as tantamount to sheltering criminals.