APNS concerned over Pemra’s decision

KARACHI: The All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) has expressed deep concern at an extraordinarily harsh decision by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) for taking Din News channel and Neo News channel off-air for airing a false news item involving a judge of the Supreme Court. In a joint statement issued by the APNS President Sarmad Ali and Secretary General Umer Mujib Shami, the APNS said that the Supreme Court of Pakistan has already taken cognizance of the matter and the channels have tendered their unconditional apologies in the Supreme Court for airing the news in question. They have also publically retracted the said news and have pleaded before the court that the mistake was unintentional.

"In view of the above, Pemra should withhold the said notification and should wait for final decision by the Supreme Court of Pakistan in this matter." The statement also added that there was no doubt that all news organisations should take special care and exercise extreme caution while airing any news, which harms the integrity and impartiality of the honourable judges of the higher courts.

The news organisations should implement adequate editorial controls to eliminate the chances of such transgressions. However, it must be emphasised at the same time that mistake committed by one or two employees should not result in penalising hundreds of other personnel. Taking any news channel off air for such prolonged period not only threatens the very existence of the news organisation but also puts in jeopardy the livelihood of hundreds of associated working journalists and other professionals.