ISLAMABAD: The Defence Ministry has directed the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to take action against the Geo TV network for leveling allegations against the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
The move came on the complaint of the Pakistan’s premier intelligence agency, media citing an official source reported on Wednesday.
The application was submitted to the media regulator under sections 33 and 36 of the PEMRA Ordinance 2002 after approval from the Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, the source said. The application sought legal action against the channel management for framing allegations against the ISI and its DG Lt. General Zaheerul Islam.
The media citing a statement reported that the ministry also provided the authority with the relevant evidence suggesting the media group’s involvement in tarnishing the image of the intelligence agency.
“The news channel has breached the code of conduct by accusing Director General (DG) of the ISI Lt. Gen. Zaheerul Islam of masterminding the attempt on senior journalist Hamid Mir,” the statement said.
It added that action would be taken against the channel’s editorial and management team.
“All those who are involved in the mala fide broadcast, riddled with baseless allegations, will be taken to task,” the statement said.
On Saturday, senior journalist Hamid Mir was attacked in Karachi and sustained serious injuries while soon after the attack Amir Mir, brother of Hamid Mir, and Geo News levelled allegations against the ISI chief Lt. Gen. Zaheerul Islam of involvement in attack on the senior journalist.
