ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has rejected the directive issued by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) to stop media coverage of the Motorway rape case.

PPP Central Secretary Information, Dr Nafisa Shah termed the notification letter as an attempt to suppress the real facts and conceal incompetence, and said that the “royal decree” of the Pemra was an attempt to cover up the frivolity and failure of the selected government.

Dr Nafisa Shah on Saturday, in her statement, said that the woman who was abused on the motorway was waiting for justice, while the incompetent government had, so far, failed to trace the main accused.

She said that attempts were being made to suppress the issue by stopping it.

“What is the effect of questioning the non-arrest of the main accused on the case? Isn’t it a fact that the “selected” federal government and “Wasim Akram-Plus” government have failed miserably in this case?” she said.

She said where were the ministers who unjustifiably criticised the opposition now hiding? “Why the concerned minister is constantly silent on this issue, when it has also become clear that the road on which the tragic incident took place is under the control of the Ministry of Communications,” she said.

She said that due to lack of seriousness in the important case, questions were being raised from all quarters.

She said that the government was now trying to suppress the voice of truth and truthfulness by using the Pemra to avoid questions and criticism.

She said that she would stand by and would continue to raise her voice on this important case till the main accused was arrested, and would never allow this case to be swallowed by the files.

She clarified that the Pemra was making effort to suppress the voice of truth and stifle the media but the PPP would raise its voice in every

forum including the parliament.

Nafisa also warned the Pemra that it was an independent body and it should act in accordance with the Constitution and rules, instead of implementing government orders such as stifling the media.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020