LAHORE (Kashmir English): The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) has conveyed its opinion to the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) regarding the case related to the depiction of religious figures in Geo News broadcasts.
The Council of Islamic Ideology’s letter has been received by PEMRA’s Council of Complaints in Lahore, which had sought the council’s opinion before making recommendations on the matter.
The CII has advised PEMRA to deal with the case in accordance with its existing rules, regulations and legal framework governing licensed television channels.
CII respects PEMRA jurisdiction, showcasing Institutional Harmony in Geo News case
The stance of the council is one where the mandates of the various state institutions have been duly respected in line with the principle that institutions must remain confined to their jurisdictional areas of activity.
The instruction to continue according to the directives of PEMRA in this regard clearly recognizes the independence, competence, and liability of the regulator in resolving the issue.
Another aspect the council has taken into consideration is the necessity of due process, including proper evidentiary hearings and decisions made in accordance with the relevant rules and regulations, rather than rushing into anything without following these steps.
The letter also sets a precedent in future cases when it comes to matters of religious sensitivity, and according to this, the Council of Islamic Ideology must give religious guidance while the decision on licensing and media codes of conduct remains a matter of the concerned institution.
