PEMRA Reiterates Ban on Live Coverage of Blasts, Firing and Terror Attacks
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority has issued fresh instructions to satellite television channels, reminding them that the ban on live coverage of explosions, firing and terrorist attacks remains firmly in place.
In its latest directive, the regulator asked news and current affairs channels to comply with the restraining order first issued on February 20, 2023. The PEMRA live coverage directive does not create a new ban; it reiterates the existing prohibition and warns of legal consequences for channels that ignore it.
What PEMRA told the channels
The authority directed broadcasters to air only information verified by the relevant government departments or law enforcement agencies. Channels must confirm details with the authorities concerned before reporting incidents, to avoid spreading unverified or speculative information during fast-moving security events.
PEMRA also told channels to use time-delay mechanisms effectively during transmissions and to set up independent editorial boards to oversee their reporting and ensure compliance with the rules.
Violations could lead to legal action under Sections 29A, 30 and 33 of the PEMRA Ordinance, the regulator warned. The instructions cover both live broadcasts and the verification of information in subsequent reports.
Why the regulator keeps returning to this
This is not the first time PEMRA has had to restate the rule. The authority has issued similar instructions repeatedly over the years, usually after channels rushed to air unverified footage during attacks. The underlying concern, stated in earlier notifications, is that marathon live transmissions from attack sites can hamper rescue and combat operations, spread panic among viewers at home and abroad, and hand publicity to the attackers themselves.
The reminder lands at a tense moment for the country’s security coverage. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is under an emergency proclamation amid a surge in terrorism incidents, and security operations continue across several districts, including a recent intelligence-based operation in Washuk. The rules apply to exactly the kind of incidents dominating the news cycle, from the Gulbai Chowrangi killings in Karachi to the Houthi attack on a Madinah power station condemned by Islamabad. In such an environment, the line between informing the public and compromising operations is exactly what the regulator says its rules are meant to police.
Frequently asked questions
Did PEMRA impose a new ban on live coverage?
No. The directive reiterates the existing ban under the restraining order of February 20, 2023. It reminds channels of the prohibition rather than introducing a new restriction.
What must channels do under the directive?
Air only information verified by relevant departments or law enforcement agencies, use time-delay mechanisms during transmissions, and establish independent editorial boards for compliance.
What happens if channels violate the instructions?
PEMRA warned of legal action under Sections 29A, 30 and 33 of the PEMRA Ordinance.
Tags: PEMRA, live coverage ban, TV channels, terror attacks, media regulation, verified information
