Pakistan bans Ramadan TV shows for discussing blasphemy

The channels, 'Aaj News' and 'TV One', were said by Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority to have violated its code of conduct

Two Ramadan shows broadcast by private news channels in Pakistan were taken off air today by regulators for discussing blasphemy laws.

The channels, 'Aaj News' and 'TV One', were said by Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to have violated its code of conduct by promoting sectarian views and disgracing the holy month of Ramadan.

"An immediate ban has been imposed on TV One's programme Ishq-e-Ramazan (hosted by Shabbir Abu Talib) and Aaj News programme Ramazan Hamara Iman (hosted by Hamza Ali Abbasi)," a PEMRA statement said.

The regulator ordered both channels to cease the programmes from today evening or face being shutdown.
 
In his show earlier this week, actor and activist Hamza Ali Abbasi discussed the alleged oppression of the Ahmadi community and blasphemy laws.

The discussion triggered debate on social media, while Islamic cleric Allama Kokab Noorani threatened Hamza with "terrible consequences" for raising the topics.