The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has directed satellite television channels to refrain from broadcasting unpleasant incidents, including terrorist attacks, and ensure that all information aired is verified by the relevant departments or law enforcement agencies.
In an order dated October 13, the media regulator instructed television channels to broadcast only verified information authorised by the concerned departments or law enforcement agencies.
PEMRA also directed broadcasters to effectively implement a time-delay mechanism and establish independent editorial boards in accordance with relevant media laws and judicial directives.
The order referred to the provisions of PEMRA laws, a 2018 Supreme Court suo motu case and an Islamabad High Court ruling issued in 2022, emphasising compliance with prescribed procedures for the proper use of the delay mechanism.
The regulator warned that violations would invite legal action under Sections 29-A, 30 and 33 of the PEMRA Ordinance, 2002. It also referred to a similar directive issued in February 2023.
The development comes days after the federal government imposed emergency measures and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, citing what it described as the provincial government’s “deliberate disengagement” from counterterrorism efforts.
The decision followed weeks of political tensions between the federal government and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which had announced a long march towards Islamabad to demand the release of its jailed founder, Imran Khan.
On Tuesday, a protest by PTI workers in Bara tehsil of Khyber district against the imposition of emergency measures and governor’s rule turned violent. Demonstrators reportedly set government buildings on fire and clashed with riot police.
