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Pakistan Media Regulator Bans Live TV Coverage of Blasts and Terrorist Attacks
- •The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority has issued a directive prohibiting satellite TV channels from providing live coverage of explosions, firing, and terrorist attacks.
- •Channels are instructed to air only verified information provided by relevant government departments or law enforcement agencies.
- •Broadcasters have been ordered to effectively utilize time-delay mechanisms and establish independent editorial boards in line with court judgments.
- •The regulator warned that any violations will result in strict legal proceedings under the PEMRA Ordinance.
Key Questions Answered
Pakistan's media regulator, PEMRA, directed satellite TV channels to refrain from live coverage of explosions, blasts, firing, terrorist attacks, and public disorder incidents like riots and protests. Channels are required to air only verified information from relevant authorities and effectively utilize broadcast time-delay mechanisms.
PEMRA warned that any violations of the directive regarding live coverage of security incidents and protests will invite legal proceedings under Sections 29A, 30, and 33 of the PEMRA Ordinance, 2002, as amended.
The latest instructions follow the imposition of emergency and Governor's Rule in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province alongside ongoing protests. The directive aims to enforce editorial oversight, ensure information verification, and prevent the unverified broadcasting of volatile situations.
