Only Geo TV abided by PEMRA orders: Pervaiz Rasheed

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information, Senator Pervaiz Rasheed Monday said none other than Geo TV Network honoured the decision of Pakistan Electronic Media Organization (PEMRA) and also paid the fine.

Talking to media men outside the Parliament House, the Information Minister said letters have been sent to the cable operators for restoring the transmission of Geo News.

He said it is the desire of the government not to come in the way of press freedom.

The Information Minister said every media house should devise a mechanism to ensure self-accountability. The code of conduct existed already but consensus of all the stakeholders is crucial for its implementation, he added.

He said only Geo TV Network abided by the verdict of PEMRA whereas 22 others got stay orders against the decisions. We just want that others follow in the footsteps of Geo, he added.

He said PEMRA would be directed to take action against those cable operators who fail to renounce their illegal ways and issue the licenses to those who do not put curbs on transmissions.

Pervaiz Rasheed said the cable operators cannot be given the right to decide what channel the people should watch. They are only responsible to ensure transmissions.

He said the PEMRA should introduce DTH system so that no one could disrupt the transmission.