The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) on Friday imposed a ban on Ramazan transmission of two private TV channels over violation of the media regulator’s code of conduct by promoting controversial and sectarian views.
“An immediate ban has been imposed on TV One’s programme Isq-e-Ramazan (hosted by Shabbir Abu Talib) and Aaj News programmeRamazan Hamara Iman (hosted by Hamza Ali Abbasi),” a statement said.
The media regulator directed both the TV channels to immediate stop airing the said programmes failing to which will end up in removal of their transmissions on cable.
It all began with the actor and social activist – Hamza Ali Abbasi – when he recently questioned the oppression of Ahmadis during one of his programmes on Aaj TV.
“The community is being suppressed but if you talk about it, people say ‘You’re from that community that’s why you’re saying this,’” said Hamza. “I am not an Ahmadi, I am a Sunni Muslim.”
This triggered a harsh response from a religious cleric who allegedly threatened Hamza of dire consequences in another TV show on TV One.
Soon after the notification was issued, the actor took to social media and said: “There is a divine pleasure in suffering in the way of Allah (SWT) and his beloved Prophet & Messenger Muhammad (SAW).”
