BBC Pakistan to challenge ban on its radio services

Lahore, Jun.7 (ANI): The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has decided to challenge a ban imposed on its bulletins being aired on different radio channels across Pakistan.

Terming the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority's (PEMRA) decision to shut down the media house' bulletins, which were being aired on 34 radio channels across the country, as 'surprising, biased and illegal', BBC Pakistan's acting editor Haroon Rasheed said he would lodge a case against the decision with the relevant authorities.

Rashind said the BBC Pakistan was abiding by all the terms and conditions of the country's laws, and its services was even appreciated by Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira for providing up-to-date information to the public.

Meanwhile, Pakistani radio broadcaster and media persons have also slammed the government for banning BBC's services.

Radio broadcaster and finance secretary of the Punjab Union of Journalists, Rana Amir Suhail, said the suspension of news bulletins was an equal blow to the people who were receiving fresh updates and news in the country.

"BBC Pakistan played a vital role in the revival of radio culture in the country because of its world-class and experienced team. It was creating awareness among the citizens on different issues by impartial reporting," The Daily Times quoted Suhail, as saying.

However, former Information and Broadcasting Minister and Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Information Secretary Fauzia Wahab has backed PEMRA's ban, saying there would have been a solid reason behind such a ban. (ANI)