August 15, 2022 – The Sindh High Court (SHC) has suspended the Ministry of Interior’s notice cancelling the no-objection certificate (NOC) of ARY News “on the basis of adverse reports from agencies”.
The ministry issued a notification on August 11 to the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), cancelling the security permit of ARY News. “The NOC issued in favour of M/S ARY Communications (Ltd) is cancelled with immediate effect and until further notice on the basis of adverse reports from the agencies,” it stated.
On Saturday, the management of ARY News filed an application in the SHC challenging the cancellation of the channel’s security clearance. The court suspended the notification of cancellation and issued notices to the defendants, including PEMRA chairperson and the interior secretary, for the hearing scheduled for Tuesday, August 17.
ARY News found itself at the centre of controversy after PTI leader Shahbaz Gill made “controversial” remarks regarding the Pakistan Army on a news programme aired earlier this month. Shortly after, complaints emerged of ARY News being pulled off air in different parts of the country before PEMRA issued a show-cause notice to the channel, citing what the regulator called Gill’s “hateful and seditious” remarks. According to ARY, the SHC had directed PEMRA on August 10 to immediately restore the transmission.
In Karachi, an FIR was registered against ARY CEO Salman Iqbal, anchorperson Arshad Sharif, and Islamabad Bureau Chief Khawar Ghumman over Gill’s comments against the army. Ammad Yousaf, the head of ARY News, was also arrested “without a warrant” from his residence. The channel was accused of trying to create a rift within the armed forces with the PTI by airing hateful and divisive opinions.
Later, PEMRA released a statement directing TV channels to refrain from airing “propaganda, misinformation and disinformation” against state institutions and warned of strict legal action in case of violation.
The cancellation of ARY News’ NOC has been widely condemned by media bodies, including the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), and Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA). Several notable journalists and public figures have raised voice against the move to ban ARY news as well, calling it an attack on press freedom.
