Pakistan regulator warns TV channels against live coverage of blasts and terror attacks

Pakistan's media regulator has warned satellite television channels against broadcasting live footage of explosions, gunfire and terrorist attacks, cautioning that violations could lead to legal action.The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) issued a notification on Tuesday, reminding broadcasters of restrictions first introduced on February 20, 2023. The rules bar news, current affairs and regional-language channels from broadcasting, rebroadcasting or providing live coverage of such incidents.The directive comes as emergency rule has been imposed in the north-western province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, renewing debate over how the media should report security incidents while ensuring that the public receives timely and reliable information.Channels told to air only verified informationPEMRA has instructed broadcasters to air only “verified information warranted by the relevant government departments or law enforcement agencies”.The regulator also stressed the need for stronger editorial oversight and the effective use of broadcast delays to prevent the immediate transmission of sensitive footage during security incidents.It directed television channels to establish independent editorial boards in line with applicable laws and relevant court judgments.Legal action for violationsThe notification referred to the Supreme Court's judgment in Suo Motu Case No. 28 of 2018 and an Islamabad High Court order dated September 5, 2022, both concerning the prescribed procedure for broadcast delays.PEMRA warned that channels violating the directive could face legal proceedings under Sections 29A, 30 and 33 of the PEMRA Ordinance, 2002, as amended.The latest notification reiterates the regulator's existing restrictions on live coverage of security incidents, with a focus on verification, editorial checks and the use of broadcast delays.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.