Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) is alarmed by the show-cause notice issued by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to Geo News for what it claimed was the presentation of “biased opinion” about the proceedings of the trial involving human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari. 

The purpose of a current affairs talk show like Naya Pakistan with Shahzad Iqbal, for which a show-cause notice was issued, is to discuss current affairs, including interviews with government representatives.

A show-cause notice dated January 26 stated that the host Shahzad Iqbal “presented biased opinion about proceedings of the trial” and asserted that the segment constituted a “sheer violation” of multiple provisions of the PEMRA Ordinance, Rules, and the Electronic Media Code of Conduct.

In a clip from the show, the host, Iqbal, was speaking with Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, beginning with a recount of developments in the case, including the lack of a right to a fair trial. He then posed the question to Sanaullah: “Do you think that this is justice that in the case of a tweet, 10-year sentences are handed down?” It is noteworthy that Sanaullah was given the platform to respond. 

Responding to the notice, Iqbal stated, “How absurd that Pemra is now sending notice on asking questions. The assertion that merely posing a question to a minister constitutes a ‘biased opinion’ is legally untenable and factually incorrect.”

Geo News Managing Director and Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND) President Azhar Abbas also criticized the move, saying: “It’s getting ridiculous by the day.”

PEMRA has directed the channel’s CEO to “show cause in writing within three (03) days” and appear for a personal hearing, warning that “in case of non-compliance, ex-parte proceedings shall be initiated and legal action shall be taken against the licensee.”