ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) – in its latest directive – has barred television channels from giving airtime to “hate mongers, criminals and their facilitators”, and asked them to “be vigilant”. “suggested.
PEMRA’s notification, issued by the regulatory body on Wednesday, said the Constitution guarantees people the right to freedom of expression. However, “reasonable restrictions” should be placed in the wider interest of Islam, morality, decency and the integrity, security or defense of Pakistan.
The notification states: “In accordance with Article 19 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, every citizen shall have the right to freedom of speech and expression, and freedom of the press, subject to any reasonable restrictions imposed by law.” – Interest in respect of the glory of Islam or the integrity, security or defense of Pakistan or friendly relations of any part thereof with foreign states, public order, decency or morals, or contempt of court, [commission] or incitement to any offence. “
It added: “Striking a balance between protecting freedom of expression and maintaining public order is critical.”
He then referred to the events of “Black Day” on May 9 – when violent protests erupted in several cities across the country following the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan.
On that day, the notification said, “[a] political party zealot” attacked state and public property, endangered innocent lives, and promoted anti-state violence to weaken the country and state institutions. , caution should be taken in this regard.
This is an alarming trend, which must be condemned, the notification said: “In view of the above scenario, all satellite TV channel licensees are directed to be vigilant and prevent any hate mongering, Don’t inadvertently promote criminals and their facilitators.”
Stating that national unity should be promoted, the media regulatory agency directed that hate mongers be blacked out.
The regulator said planners and perpetrators of hate violence should not be promoted on television, and violent, discriminatory content should not be broadcast.
“The Licensor shall ensure that any program or advertisement shall not contain any material, which is against the interests of sovereignty and integrity of Pakistan, ideology of Pakistan, security, friendly relations with foreign states, public order. or which is insulting, defamatory or inciting an offence, or bringing into disrepute state institutions including the armed forces.
It further directed all licensees to “obey [the] provisions of PEMRA laws and orders of High Courts by refraining from providing their airtime to persons who propagate hate speech and the Federation and the States.” inflame public sentiment against institutions.”
Additionally, the notification states that all broadcasters should use effective time delay mechanisms to ensure effective monitoring of live broadcast content.
“No licensor shall broadcast any live program unless there is an effective delay mechanism to ensure effective monitoring and editorial control in accordance with this Code.”
