Pakistan TV station critical of government taken off air

A popular Pakistan television station critical of the current government has been taken off air in much of the country for allegedly airing “seditious” content, the channel said Tuesday.

Ammad Yousaf, vice president of ARY News, said the decision was “illegal and ridiculous”, and would be challenged in court.

A notice seen by AFP from the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to ARY said “hateful, seditious and malicious content on your channel raises serious concerns about your mala fide intent”.

A PEMRA official confirmed the authenticity of the notice, which directed the channel’s CEO to appear for a hearing on Wednesday.