During the hearing before the Council of Complaints (COC) concerning the suspension of by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra), Advocate Saim Hashmi, representing the broadcaster’s licensee company, acknowledged the management’s clear admission of fault and extended an unconditional apology.
Alongside Advocate Arbaz Khan, he presented all pertinent documents to the Council, demonstrating that promptly conducted an internal inquiry. Following this, the management terminated the employment of the individual responsible for producing the documentary, as well as the member of the Editorial Committee who had previewed the content.
In a significant development, Advocate Hashmi also informed the Council that has resolved to include a respected aalim (Islamic scholar) in its Editorial Committee. This addition aims to ensure careful monitoring of sensitive religious material before broadcast, thereby preventing similar errors in the future.
The case revolves around an hour-long religious travel documentary which contained 13 seconds of sensitive visuals. immediately ceased repeating the documentary and removed the content from its digital platforms prior to receiving Pemra’s notification.
