ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) hasordered restoration of all Geo TV channels on their actual position within24 hours, according to a press statement by the regulatory body issuedMonday.
The authority said it had received complaints from Lahore and Karachiregarding the suspension of the channels.
PEMRA, via a press release, clarified that it had not ordered the closureof any television channel and that the process of suspension of licensewould begin against operators — Wateen Telecommunication and WorldcallTelecommunication — if the channels are not restored within 24 hours.
Moreover, the PEMRA warned that in case of non-compliance it would initiatethe process of revoking the said licenses under Section 30 of the PEMRAOrdinance.
A day ago, Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal expressed concern over thesuspension of Geo News and other channels of the organisation.
Speaking on Geo News’ programme* ‘Naya Pakistan,’* Iqbal said that neitherPEMRA nor the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had issuedinstructions to put the channels off air.
The minister said that the prime minister had been informed about thebroadcast suspension.
“If these things are not corrected then questions will be raised on thetransparency of the upcoming elections,” he said.