The US has expressed concern over the suspension of ARY News transmission, saying that media freedom is essential for democracy.
According to the details, US State Department spokesperson Ned Price made the remarks during a media briefing.
While responding to a question regarding the suspension of ARY News transmission by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) freedom of the press is essential to keep the masses aware of democracy.
Read more: PTI hails IHC order to restore ARY News
Restrictions on the media are concerning, Ned Price said and added that the issue has been raised with the Pakistani authorities. He added that this is the matter we [US] have been continuously highlighting.
Suspension of ARY News transmission
Sunday, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority suspended the licence of the ARY News for broadcasting PTI chief Imran Khan’s statement in the headline slot of 9:00 pm.
PEMRA took the action after issuing a notice that it completely banned broadcasting live and recorded speeches of Imran Khan. In its notification, the media watchdog directed all the TV channels to refrain from airing Imran Khan’s live or recorded statements, speeches, and conversations.
Read more: Why Imran Khan’s life is at greater risk after Rajanpur elections?
As a result, PEMRA suspended ARY’s licence. Meanwhile, other television channels also aired Imran Khan’s statement, but apparently discriminatory action was taken against the ARY News by the electronic media authority. Therefore, the move has been widely condemned.
Yet another draconian act by the PDM government. Pakistan’s largest News Channel #ARYNEWS license suspended by PEMRA for airing @ImranKhanPTI speech. Courts have repeatedly denounced fascist acts of PEMRA but unfortunately vendetta continues against #freedomofspeech @Salman_ARY pic.twitter.com/JxPDpm0okH
— Shah Khalid Khan Hamdani (@ShahKhalidARY) March 5, 2023
Earlier the Sindh High Court (SHC) ordered the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority and cable operators to restore the transmission of ARY News immediately.
Justice Zulfiqar Ahmed Khan suspended PEMRA’s orders and ordered immediate restoration of ARY News transmission. Barrister Ayan Memon said, the SHC bench heard the plea of ARY News and issued directives to PEMRA and cable operators to immediately restore its transmission.