Journalists Monday put off four-day protest against the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) for banning 24News channel as Punjab Governor Ch Muhammad Sarwar vowed to address the issue.

For the past four days, Pemra has been under fire for banning the TV channel without feeling for more than a thousand families of its workers.

Protesters braved stone-pelting on the fourth day, followed by heart-wrenching scenes like an anchor breaking into tears while announcing transmission closure in Lahore and Islamabad Bureau Chief Sagheer Chaudhry’s suicide attempt in front of Pemra office.

However, the Punjab governor assured the protesting journalists of taking up the matter to high-ups. “We admit that the media has played a leading role for taking the PTI to power. We welcome criticism with patience,” he said.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8uQtIDYGo8

Sarwar added: “I assure you that I will raise the media’s reservations with high-ups. We will try to get this issue resolved as soon as possible. Prime Minister Imran Khan has always talked about free media, so we will try to fix it once for all.”

Talking to Ch Sarwar, senior journalist Salim Bokhari said as the Punjab governor’s words have worth, he should suggest PM Imran Khan be aware of people painting rosy picture and take such steps. Lahore Press Club President Arshad Ansari thanked the governor.

Naveed Chaudhy took up the matter of torture and use of force against the protesting media workers. The governor vowed to bring to book the culprits and reiterated his government’s resolve to continue with cordial ties with the media. He announced calling off the countrywide protests on the Punjab governor’s assurance.