KARACHI: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has banned ARY News talk show host Kashif Abbasi and his programme ‘Off The Record’ for 60 days over Federal Minister for Water Resources Faisal Vawda’s improper behavior during a live telecast.

The PEMRA, in its prohibition order, said Faisal Vawda performed very unethical act and arguments made by him were not only extremely frivolous and derogatory but also an attempt to debase a state institution.

It termed the role of Abbasi “quite unprofessional” as he did not intervene or stopped the panelist of his live show from making such remarks and bringing an army boot. It said the programme host took the entire incident casually and kept smiling/ cherishing it.

The electronic media regulatory authority expressed suspicion over intention of airing the content saying that it appeared to be a deliberate attempt to demean the army institute by dragging it in the debate.

The PEMRA said, viewing the said reasons, programme ‘Off The Record’ and its host Kashif Abbasi were banned. This ban prohibits Abbasi from appearing on any television during the meantime.

Also Read: Faisal Vawda derides PML-N, PPP using army boot during live TV show

During the programme on Jan 14, Vawda had ridiculed the Pakistan Muslim League-N and Pakistan Peoples Party using an army boot in live TV show.

Talking about consent of the former ruling parties for passage of the services chiefs amendment bills in the parliament, Faisal Vawda had said they had made a turnaround in their political opinion against the national institution to safeguard their personal interest and in a bid to save their skin from corruption cases.

“The way you have given respect to the boot by laying down and smooching it has exposed you to the nation,” he had said.

PML-N leader Javed Abbasi and PPP leader Qamar Zaman Kaira, who were sharing the panel of representatives of leading political parties, had walked out of the show expressing their abomination against statements of the federal minister.