Pemra bars live TV coverage of terror attacks

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) has directed satellite television channels to avoid live coverage and rebroadcasting of incidents involving explosions, gunfire, terrorist attacks and other violent events.

In an order issued on October 13, the regulator instructed broadcasters to air only verified information provided by the relevant government departments or law enforcement agencies. The directive aims to ensure responsible reporting during security incidents.

Pemra also instructed television channels to use time-delay mechanisms effectively to prevent the immediate transmission of sensitive or unverified footage. Broadcasters were further directed to establish independent editorial boards in accordance with the applicable media regulations and relevant court judgments.

The regulator warned that violations of the instructions could result in legal action under Sections 29-A, 30 and 33 of the Pemra Ordinance 2002. The order also referred to a similar directive issued in February 2023.

The development comes amid heightened political and security tensions following the imposition of emergency measures and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The federal government cited concerns over the provincial administration’s alleged disengagement from counterterrorism efforts.

Political tensions between the federal government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had also intensified after the party announced a march towards Islamabad to demand the release of its jailed founder, Imran Khan.

On Tuesday, a protest against the imposition of emergency measures and governor’s rule turned violent in Bara tehsil of Khyber district. Demonstrators reportedly set government buildings on fire and clashed with riot police.

Pemra’s latest directive reinforces restrictions on the broadcast of violent incidents and requires television channels to verify information before reporting developments involving public safety and national security.