PFUJ condemns PEMRA’s advice to TV channels

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has strongly condemned the issuance of advice, through letter NO 13 (89) OPS 2016/2766), barring all satellite TV channels to stop analysis on the performance of National Accountability Bureau (NAB) as this is unethical and unnecessary as per the standards of the globalized world we live in today.

In a joint statement, PFUJ President Shahzada Zulfiqar and Secretary General Nasir Zaidi while showing serious concern on the issuance of advice to TV channels, urged for immediate withdrawal of the letter and demanded stern action against PEMRA chairman and officials, who are bent upon damaging the image of the country by issuing such advices and notices to TV channels on petty issues to suppress media and press freedom in the country.

They said the performance of any organization and institution including NAB which is run though public funds is subject to scrutiny and criticism as this will only improve the functioning.

They have urged the government to let freedom of press prevail and a culture of healthy criticism flourish to create respect.

They said the government should allow functioning of PEMRA as an independent regulatory body and appoint an unbiased person as its chairman.