Bol News issued notice for airing Amir Liaquat's show despite ban

KARACHI: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on Friday issued a show cause notice to Bol News for airing "Aisay Nahi Chalay Ga" hosted by TV anchor/news analyst/religious scholar/politician Amir Liaquat despite an all-out ban on him.

The Pakistani media watchdog had banned Liaquat from hosting any TV shows or appearing on Bol News in any manner, including as a guest, analyst, reporter, actor, or in audio, video beepers, promos or advertisement of his programme on Thursday.

The regularity authority had warned Bol News that if it failed to comply, it will suspend the channel's licence.

Liaquat however flouted the ban and hosted his show the same evening, hurling abuse at Pemra and criticising its decision to take his show off the air.

The statement issued by PEMRA today said that "Bol News in blatant and deliberate violation of aforementioned prohibition orders not only televised the programme 'Aisay Nahi Chalay Ga' but also allowed the host (Liaquat) to appear on Bol News at 22:45 on Jan 26, 2017."

The notice sought a reply from the channel's management within seven days failing which, could result in "imposition of fine, suspension/revocation of license and legal proceedings under the Pemra ordinance 2002 as amended by the Pemra (Amendment) Act-2007".