Case Update Status

No legal Action was taken. Aftab Iqbal's show was restored on December 13, 2022.

Summary of Case

"Khabardar, a satirical comedy show created and hosted by Aftab Iqbal, and broadcast on Express News was taken off air by Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority after performers mimicked a top official of a state institution. on Dec 10, 2022. Responding to the PEMRA notice, Iqbal tweeted: “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 illegal action on every forum”. 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. Human rights activists and global organisations have long criticised the state's censorship and control of the country's mainstream and digital media. However, it was observed that show remains on air despite this ban. "

Category of Incident

Censorship

ICCS Status

ICCS Divisions: 0803-Acts related to freedom of expression or control of expression

ICCS Group: 08039-Other acts related to freedom of expression or control of expression

ICCS Class: N/A

ICCS Crime: Acts related to freedom of expression or control of expression

Reported By

Daily Pakistan

Date of incident

10

Month

December

Year

2022

Name of affected person

Aftab Iqbal

Other affected persons

No other person was affected

Name of affected organization

Express News

Other affected organizations

No other organisation was affected

Action by

Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA)

City

Islamabad

Province

Capital territory

Designation

Anchor/Host

Professional category

Journalist

Age of victim

61

Marital Status

Compensation Details

Amount of compensation announced by government: No compensation announced

Date of compensation announcement by government: No compensation announced

Date of compensation paid by government: No compensation announced

Amount of compensation announced by others: No compensation announced

Date of compensation announced by others: No compensation announced

Date compensation paid by others: No compensation announced

FIR Details

Was FIR registered ?: No

Court Details

Was case investigated ?: FIR was not registered

Court where case was presented: FIR was not registered

Name of prosecuting lawyer: FIR was not registered

Date of first court hearing:

Date of last court hearing:

Status of court case: FIR was not registered

Journalist Union Status

PFUJ

Condemned

APNS

N/A

CPNE

N/A

PBA

N/A

Media Source Status

Media reports:

Condemn Status

Colleague of victim

Condemned

Employer organization

Condemned

Press Club Status

Press club 1: Condemned

Press club 2: N/A

Press club 3: N/A