ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) hasimposed a fine of Rs1 million on *Channel 92* for “airing defamatorycontent” against Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on OverseasPakistanis and Human Resource Development Syed Zulfikar Bukhari in Octoberlast year.
The fine amounting to Rs1,000,000 has been imposed upon M/S GalaxyBroadcasting Network (Pvt.) Ltd., the owner of *Channel 92*, read a copy ofthe decision available with *APP*.
The authority noted that the media house violated clause 22 (1) of theElectronic Media (Programmes and Advertisement) Code of Conduct, 2015, “byairing false allegations against Zulfikar Bukhari” in two separateprogrammes —*Jawab Chahiye* and *News Report* — aired on October 17 and 18,2019, respectively.
Issuing censure for airing allegedly baseless and defamatory materialagainst the SAPM “without any evidence and providing him an opportunity todefend”, Pemra warned the channel and its anchorpersons of strict actionagainst airing any such defamatory news programme against anybody in thefuture.
The decision to this effect was taken by Pemra on the recommendations ofIslamabad’s Council of Complaints (CoC), which heard the arguments of bothparties during its 65th meeting held on January 2.
Pemra advised the channel to ensure compliance of the decision within sevendays of issuance of the notification.
Bukhari appeared before the council in person along with his legal teamwhile Usama Shamas, Aftab Bajwa and Sohail Bhatti represented the channelduring the hearing.
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The SAPM, in his complaint lodged with Pemra on October 29, contended thatanchorperson Dr Danish did a “concocted and fabricated” show againsthim on *Channel92*. He said that the programme was factually incorrect and based on lies.
“Pemra’s decision has provided me a strong foundation to file a liable suitagainst Danish in Pakistan and the United Kingdom for my characterassassination,” Bukhari told *APP* on Saturday.
The SAPM said that the anchorperson “was wrong on everything in hisone-hour talk show” and shared incorrect information with his viewers.
He further said that he was “portrayed as a traitor” by questioning hisloyalty to Pakistan and was compared to former Pakistan ambassador to USHusain Haqqani.
Urging the channel and anchorperson to tender a public apology, Bukharisaid such accusations had damaged his reputation.
