Pakistan bans Ramadan TV shows for discussing blasphemy

June 18, 2016 01:28

Two Ramadan shows broadcast by private news channels in Pakistan were taken off air today by regulators for discussing blasphemy laws.

The channels, 'Aaj News' and 'TV One', were said by Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority to have violated its code of conduct by promoting sectarian views and disgracing the holy month of Ramadan.

"An immediate ban has been imposed on TV One's programme Ishq-e-Ramazan (hosted by Shabbir Abu Talib) and Aaj News programme Ramazan Hamara Iman (hosted by Hamza Ali Abbasi)," a PEMRA statement said.

The regulator ordered both channels to cease the programmes from today evening or face being shutdown.

In his show earlier this week, actor and activist Hamza Ali Abbasi discussed the alleged oppression of the Ahmadi community and blasphemy laws.

The discussion triggered debate on social media, while Islamic cleric Allama Kokab Noorani threatened Hamza with "terrible consequences" for raising the topics.

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

Should You Invest In Credit Risk Fund?

Only investors with a higher risk appetite should enter these funds.

Important to bowl on good length at death: Kuldeep

Delhi Capitals left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who returned match-winning figures of 2/25 against Rajasthan Royals, said his bowling approach to Donovan Ferreira was the key to his side's 20-run win in the IPL in New Delhi on Tuesday.

Meet Suhagan Chudail

Ananya drops a picture... Huma gets clicked by Akshay... Divyanka votes...

Maqbool Sherwani: The Forgotten Hero Who Won Kashmir For India

Shaheed Maqbool Sherwani changed the course of Indian history forever, but himself lies forgotten in the town he saved.

AstraZeneca withdraws COVID-19 vaccine globally: Report

The vaccine maker has said the worldwide withdrawal was initiated because of commercial reasons due to a "surplus of available updated vaccines" for COVID-19.