Pemra bans Hamza Ali Abbasi’s Ramazan show after receiving 1,133 complaints in four days

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

The channels, ‘Aaj News’ and ‘TV One’, were said by Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to have violated its code of conduct by encouraging sectarian views and disgracing the sacred month of Ramadan.

The regulator ordered both stations face being shutdown or to stop the programmes from Friday.

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

The discussion activated debate on social media, while Islamic cleric Allama Kokab Noorani threatened Hamza with “horrendous consequences” for raising the issues.

PEMRA said it took action after receiving 1,133 grievances in four days.