Altaf’s anti-army remarks: PEMRA stops electronic media from airing hate speech

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulator Authority (PEMRA) on Saturday stopped broadcast media from airing any speech or material that harms national interest or integrity of national institutions. The Information ministry in a letter to PEMRA Chairman requested action against the channels for airing hate-speech. The ministry invoked Section 27 of PEMRA Amendment Act 2007, and which forbids media houses to on-air the hate speech and remakes against State institutions. “PEMRA should come forward to take action against the channels broadcasting hatred,” it said. Earlier on Friday, PEMRA issued show-cause notices to 14 TV channels for airing Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Chief Altaf Hussain’s hateful speech against Pakistan Army and noted this was against the integrity of the country and its institutions. The authority warned that action would be taken against TV channels which do not comply with terms in the letter. “While the government respected the freedom of press but acts amounting to inciting violence in general public would not be tolerated,” the letter sent to all TV channels said. Earlier Thursday night, MQM Chief Altaf Hussain criticized the armed forces of Pakistan in his address to party workers which majority of the channels aired live.