13 Pak TV channels fined for airing “false” news about the PTI chief
Islamabad: Pakistan’s media watchdog has imposed a Rs 5,00,000 fine each on 13 TV channels for airing “false” news about the third marriage of former cricketer and leading politician Imran Khan, an official said yesterday.
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Imran Khan
The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) imposed the fine after hearing a complaint filed by Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). “Though PTI had withdrawn the complaint, Pemra decided to go ahead with the fine as the false news was against the spirit of the license issued by the regulator to the owners of these channels,” an official said.
On July 12, channels repeatedly flashed that the 63-year-old Khan had entered into his third marriage in London. The channels went to repeat the claim despite categorical rejection by PTI. On July 13, PTI lodged a complaint, but withdrew it on August 26 — against all except Dunya TV — after being issued an unconditional apology.