Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has banned Bol News channel’s anchorperson Dr. Shahid Masood for 30 days over a complaint lodged finance minister Ishaq Dar. A fine of 1 million rupees has also been imposed on Bol channel.

Ishaq Dar had claimed in his complaint that Dr. Shahid Masood falsely accused him of having a secret meeting with defense minister and Army officials.

PEMRA notification said Dr. Shahid Masood and Bol News were given an opportunity to defend their case but they could not evidence that the alleged meeting took place.

PEMRA suspends Dr. Shahid Masood and his programme for 30 days starting from today February 13, 2017, 08:00 p.m. pic.twitter.com/BHBYbfF7g2

— Report PEMRA (@reportpemra) February 13, 2017

However, various journalists have lambasted PEMRA decision of forcing a journalist to give up his source. “You can not force a journalist to tell you his source.

“The most basic journalistic principle is that you never give up your source”, said Muhammad Ismail, a local journalist.