ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s famous televangelist and journalist Aftab Iqbal’s show has been taken off the air days after performers mimicked a top official of a state institution.
Without specifying an exact reason for the ban, Aftab Iqbal -- a known critic of the Sharif-led government -- took to Twitter on Friday to announce that his show has been taken off-air.
Lamenting the government’s authoritative move, the TV pundit called PEMRA an instrument of a fascist imported govt that cannot tolerate any justifiable criticism.
"Is this really democracy or worse than Mussolini’s fascist Italy?" He asked while hinting at pursuing legal action against the ban.
PEMRA is the instrument of a fascist imported govt which can’t tolerate any justifiable criticism. My prog which is recognised as satire has been forced off air. Is this really democracy or worse than Mussolini’s fascist Italy?I intend 2 contest dis illegal actions on every forum
— Aftab Iqbal (@Aftab_Iqbal1) December 9, 2022
On the other hand, PEMRA did not share any reason for its action against the comedy show, which has been aired in prime time and has a viewership in millions.
After Aftab’s announcement, several journalists, politicians, and activists called on the government to review the action citing freedom of expression.
Check some of the reactions here:
آفتاب اقبال کا شو بند کرنا قابل مذمت ہے لیکن عرض ہے کہ عمران خان کے دور حکومت میں مجھے نو مہینے تک پابندی کا سامنا رہا اور کئی دیگر اینکرز پر پابندی لگائی گئی تو سب انصاف پسندوں کو مل کر ان پابندیوں کو مسترد کرنا چاہئیے تھا افسوس بہت سے ساتھی خاموش رہے لیکن آج ہم سب کو بولنا ہے https://t.co/kSa4woyADm
— Hamid Mir حامد میر (@HamidMirPAK) December 9, 2022
پیمرا کی جانب سے آفتاب اقبال شو آف ایئر کرنا انتہائی قابلِ مذمت ہے۔ آفتاب اقبال infotainment اور مثبت طنز پر مبنی پروگرام کرنے والا پاکستان کا سب سے بڑا نام اور ٹرینڈ سیٹر ہے۔ اُن کے پروگرام کے ذریعے لوکل آرٹسٹ اور کامیڈین کو اپنے فن کا قومی سطح پر مظاہرہ کرنے کا موقع ملتا ہے۔
— Babar Awan (@BabarAwanPK) December 9, 2022
آفتاب اقبال صاحب کا مزاحیہ پروگرام پیمرا نے بند کردیا۔
— Mir Mohammad Alikhan (@MirMAKOfficial) December 9, 2022
سادہ سا پیغام:
مذاق میں بھی حُکومت کی مُخالفت کرنے کا نہ سوچیں۔ فرعون شائد زیادہ جمہوریت پسند تھا۔ @AyeshaNIqbal @Aftab_Iqbal1
Human rights activists and global organisations have long criticised the state's censorship and control of the country's mainstream and digital media.
Pakistani currency remains unchanged against US Dollar and other currencies on April 22, 2024 Monday in open market.
US dollar was being quoted at 277.4 for buying and 280.4 for selling.
Euro comes down to 293.2 for buying and 296.2 for selling while British Pound hovers at 339.5 for buying, and 343 for selling.
UAE Dirham AED was at 75 and Saudi Riyal's new rate was at 73.25.
Currency | Symbol | Buying | Selling |
---|---|---|---|
US Dollar | USD | 277.4 | 280.4 |
Euro | EUR | 293.2 | 296.2 |
UK Pound Sterling | GBP | 339.5 | 343 |
U.A.E Dirham | AED | 75 | 75.8 |
Saudi Riyal | SAR | 73.25 | 73.95 |
Australian Dollar | AUD | 181 | 182.8 |
Bahrain Dinar | BHD | 740.55 | 748.55 |
Canadian Dollar | CAD | 201 | 203 |
China Yuan | CNY | 38.47 | 38.87 |
Danish Krone | DKK | 39.78 | 40.18 |
Hong Kong Dollar | HKD | 35.53 | 35.88 |
Indian Rupee | INR | 3.33 | 3.44 |
Japanese Yen | JPY | 1.86 | 1.94 |
Kuwaiti Dinar | KWD | 903.11 | 912.11 |
Malaysian Ringgit | MYR | 58.08 | 58.68 |
New Zealand Dollar | NZD | 164.22 | 166.22 |
Norwegians Krone | NOK | 25.61 | 25.91 |
Omani Riyal | OMR | 723.2 | 731.2 |
Qatari Riyal | QAR | 76.45 | 77.15 |
Singapore Dollar | SGD | 204.5 | 206.5 |
Swedish Korona | SEK | 25.31 | 25.61 |
Swiss Franc | CHF | 305.47 | 307.97 |
Thai Bhat | THB | 7.56 | 7.71 |
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