The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on Saturday prohibited live or recorded coverage of any kind of rally, public gathering and procession by any party, organization and individual etc. for today i.e. March 18, 2023 including from the Judicial Complex, Islamabad.
Referring to the clashes between law enforcement agencies and PTI supporters, the media regulator observed “with concern” that “TV channels are showing live footages/images of violent mob, attacks on police and law enforcing agencies”.
“Such footages/ images were seen on TV screens without any editorial oversight during a recent standoff between political party workers and law enforcing agencies in Lahore wherein, violent mob used petrol bombs, injuring armless policemen and blazing police vehicles,” it said.
It added that the live telecast of such footage on different satellite TV channels “created chaos and panic” among viewers and the police. “Such activism by mob not only jeopardizes law and order situation but also makes public properties and lives vulnerable”, it cautioned.
In case of non-compliance, license shall be suspended under Section 30 (3) of PEMRA Ordinance 2002 as amended by PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007, without any show cause notice in the public interest along with other enabling provisions of law, it said.
