Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid on Thursday appeared before the Council of Complaints of Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) in a complaint lodged against him by Dr Shahid Masood over his remarks made at a public event. However, the Council of Complaints expressed displeasure over the non-appearance of TV channel anchorperson and Group Executive Director of ARY media group Dr Shahid Masood in hearing of a complaint filed by him against Federal Minister for Information.
The Council summoned both the complainant and the respondent to appear before it on Mar 24; however, Barrister Qasim Nawaz, the lawyer for Dr Masood, appeared on his behalf. Whereby, Information Minister Pervaiz personally appeared before the Council along with his legal team led by Barrister Zafarullah Khan. Barrister Qasim told the Council members that his client had to leave for the US on an urgent official visit. The council members while giving a warning to Dr Masood for ensuring his presence otherwise the Council would judge the matter ex-parte at the next meeting. The Council adjourned the proceedings till April 8.
Talking to newsmen, Pervaiz Rashid urged everyone to respect Pemra's code of conduct and emphasised on the importance of media ethics. He said it is the responsibility of everybody including media and politicians to respect the code of conduct of Pemra.
He said the responsibility also lies with the regulatory authority to implement its code. PEMRA is liable to implement its rules and regulations and action must be taken against the one who doesn't follow media ethics. He said he personally appeared before the Council of Complaint of PEMRA in a complaint lodged against him by a TV anchor. However, the complainant himself "fled" to the US instead of appearing before the Council.