PEMRA suspends Inam Geo News Programme

PEMRA suspends Inam Geo News Programme

ISLAMABAD: (APP) Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) stopped GEO Entertainment from airing its programme "Inam Ghar" for three days from June 28 to 30, 2016.

PEMRA suspended the programme after conducting a hearing in 34th meeting of PEMRA Complaints Council Sindh chaired by Prof Inam Bari at regional office in Karachi on June 14, says a press release.

Earlier, a show-cause notice was issued by PEMRA after the June 6 episode that showed a re-enactment by show host Aamir Liaquat of a girl committing suicide.

The same episode also had a guest who used abusive language while on air. During the transmission of another episode on June 25, a female caller's inappropriate phone call was also reviewed by PEMRA.

A member from the authority's council of complaints also shared a video of Aamir hugging a pole while singing a song. The authority said that they took action after they had received hundreds of complaints from viewers.

A representative from the private channel has sought 15 days to submit a detailed reply regarding the many complaints received about the show's transmission.

The council has directed for a reply to be submitted by the third day after Eid holidays and further action will be debated upon after the submission of the reply.

As an initial step, the council recommended suspension of the transmission of the show from June 28 to June 30 due to the channel's continued violation of the code of conduct.

The channel had been advised to apologise for its non-professional action which hurt the sentiments of the viewers. Aamir has also been asked to issue a personal apology during the July 1 transmission of his show.

In case of contempt of the order or no apology, the show will be suspended indefinitely, the PEMRA statement said.

On the recommendations of the council, the relevant authority under section 27 has advised Geo to suspend the transmission and to ensure Amir Liaquat apologises in the beginning of July 1 transmission.