PEMRAPakistan Electronic Media Regularity Authority has fined Rs. 1 Million to one of the leading news channels of Pakistan, Samaa TV. According to a press release issued by the authority, Samaa TV has been fined Rs 1 Million for spreading vulgarity and immorality through its program and for the absence of active editorial control in the channel. PEMRA has stated in its notice that Samaa TV had broadcasted a program “Wardaat” on 22nd July 2015, in which a boy send text message to a girl contain immoral and vulgar words. Earlier this month, PEMRA had also fined Abb Takk TV for airing abusive words.

PEMRA has mentioned in its press release that it had received so many complaints from the public after that program and people have claimed that the content was so disturbing. PEMRA has also said that it has also faced criticism and public reaction after that program. During the whole procedure, PEMRA has also provide opportunity to Samaa TV for presenting their point of view over this issue. After hearing the officials of the channel and watching clip of that particular program, Council of Complaints has now decided to impose fine on the channel.

It is to be noted that PEMRA has taken some serious actions in the previous days against vulgarity and immorality on the channels and warnings have been also issued by the authority to several channels.