The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has directed satellite television channels to comply with its existing ban on live coverage of incidents such as explosions, shootings, and terrorist attacks.
In fresh instructions, the regulator told news and current affairs channels to avoid broadcasting such events live and adhere to its prohibition order issued on February 20, 2023.
The latest directive reiterates the earlier restrictions rather than introducing a new ban on live coverage.
PEMRA instructed broadcasters to air only information verified by the relevant government department or law enforcement agency. Channels must therefore ensure that details about these incidents have been confirmed by the authorities concerned before broadcasting them.
The regulator also directed all channels to effectively use a time-delay mechanism in their transmissions and establish independent editorial boards.
PEMRA warned that violations of the instructions would result in action under Sections 29A, 30, and 33 of the PEMRA Ordinance.
