Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) clarified that it did not issue directives to cable operators for take TV channel News One off air following a show-cause notice issued by the regulator last week for airing "derogatory" remarks about the performance of a federal minister during a talk show on the channel.

Pemra issued a statement on Tuesday, two days after it started circulating that cable channels took the TV channel off air even before the regulator announced action.

However, according to media reports the TV channel has not been restored on cable networks.

After the programme was aired, Pemra issued a show cause notice to News One for “highly derogatory/ demeaning remarks… without any editorial check”.

In its statement issued on Tuesday, Pemra said it had summoned the channel's CEO on Feb 15, adding that any other proceedings would be initiated only after a response from the TV channel.

Pemra said the remarks made during the show were in "sheer violation" of Pemra Ordinance 2002 as (Amendment) Act, 2007 and several clauses of the Electronic Media (Programmes and Advertisement) Code of Conduct, 2015.

According to the rules, it added, a channel licence holder was also bound to tender an apology to a person/institution against whom the particular remarks were made.

Discussion on talk show

Journalist Gharida Farooqi in a section of her talk show on the TV channel G for Gharidah on February 11 discussed the performance of Federal Minister for Communications Murad Saeed after awards were given to top performing ministries on February 10. Saeed's ministry came on top.

Shortly after PTI unleashed its anger on social media and the hashtag #GforGhatya was one of the trop trends on Twitter.