Says IHC cannot play regulator’s role, only PEMRA authorized to monitor content and implement code of conduct
Islamabad (Pakistan Point News – 25th May, 2018) The division bench of Islamabad High Court (IHC) has suspended single bench’s decision regarding code of conduct for Ramzan transmissions.
The IHC division bench has issued a 26-page written decision on the matter. The division bench comprising Justice Amir Farooq and Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani has suspended earlier orders to air Azaan (call to prayer) five times a day on tv channels.
The IHC also suspended the orders not to air ads before Maghrib prayer and airing Darood Sharif and prayers for national peace. The 26-page court orders declared the committee formed under Interior Ministry, to monitor Indian content on TV channels and implementing Ramzan transmissions code of conduct, as illegal.
According to the court orders, the reported demanded by the court over Ramzan’s first Ashra is only Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority’s (PEMRA) right. PEMRA is fully authorized to implement the code of conduct while the IHC cannot play the role of a regulator. PEMRA is the regulator and it is responsible to bind channels to its code of conduct while the channels should take steps keeping in view the sanctity of Ramzan.
IHC judge Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui had earlier said that no 'circus' or ‘Neelam Ghar’ will be allowed to be broadcast on TV this Ramzan in a hearing of the case concerning the implementation of the broadcast regulator's code of conduct for Ramzan transmissions and morning shows on television held on May 8.
He also issued contempt of court notices to nine persons, including owners of television channels and anchors for violation of Ramzan guidelines during their shows.
