Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has directed private electronic media to refrain from airing content against state institutions, the judiciary and the armed forces.
According to its notification, PEMRA said it had observed some TV channels that were airing content which was equivalent to slander against state institutions. It said that broadcast of such content was a violation of directives issued by the authority with provisions of PEMRA Electronic Media Code of Conduct 2015 and the Superior Courts’ principles.
The regulator went on to say that “Freedom of Speech and Expression is the fundamental right of every citizen as per Article 19 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, however, this right is subject to reasonable restriction imposed by law in the interest of glory of Islam or the integrity, security or defence of Pakistan, or any part thereof, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, decency or morality, or in relation to the contempt of court (Commission of] or incitement to an offence.”
PEMRA issues directives for private electronic media to refrain from airing content against state institutions. pic.twitter.com/fXEg2NDRCm
— Report PEMRA (@reportpemra) May 9, 2022
PEMRA directed all satellite TV channels to implement a time-delay mechanism and put in place an impartial and independent Editorial Board. It added in its notification that these measures will ensure that TV channels were not used by anyone for uttering contemptuous remarks in any manner.
