US expresses concern over suspension of license of ARY News in Pakistan

Washington: The United States has expressed concern over Pakistan's restriction on the suspension of the license of ARY News. US Department of State spokesperson Ned Price said yesterday that Washington has routinely raised concerns about press freedom to stakeholders around the world, including Pakistan.

He stressed that the US is concerned by media and content restrictions that undermine the exercise of freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and



association.

Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) had suspended the license of ARY News for airing clips of the speech of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief and former prime minister Imran Khan.

Interestingly, this is the third time that a ban on broadcasting and rebroadcasting of Khan's speeches and press talks has been imposed after he lashed out at former army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa.