The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on Saturday barred television channels from live coverage of rallies or public gatherings and said “coverage of any party, person or organization is banned from today.”
According to Pemra, the prohibitory order includes a ban on any procession or rally being taken out today at Islamabad’s Judicial Complex – where Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan is expected to arrive.
In an advisory issued today titled “Prohibition order on live coverage under section 27 of PEMRA Ordinance 2001”, the electronic media regulator said it is concerned that satellite TV channels are showing live footage of violent mobs and Showing images. Police and law enforcement agencies.
During the recent standoff between political party activists and law enforcement agencies in Lahore, footage/images were seen on TV screens without any editorial oversight of a violent mob using petrol bombs, with unarmed policemen. Officials were injured and police vehicles were set on fire. The footage on various satellite TV channels created chaos and panic among the viewers and the police.”
Pemra’s letter said that such mob activity not only endangers the law and order situation but also endangers public property and lives.
The media regulator said that airing such content is a violation of the Supreme Court of Pakistan’s decision.
“The Competent Authority in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 26(a) of the PEMRA Ordinance 2002 as amended by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007, shall, by any party, organization, any rally, Bans live/recorded coverage of public gathering, procession, etc. for today i.e. 18 March 2023 including from Judicial Complex, Islamabad.
The regulator warned that in case of non-compliance the license will be suspended under Section 30(3) of the PEMRA Ordinance 2002 as amended by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007, without any show cause notice in public interest. With applicable provisions. of the law.
