Pakistan regulator bars live TV coverage of blasts, firing, terrorist attacks

Lahore: Pakistan's electronic media regulator has directed satellite television channels to refrain from live coverage of "explosions, blasts, firing and terrorist attacks," warning of legal action against violations.

In a notification issued on Tuesday, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) reiterated its February 20, 2023, order prohibiting news, current affairs and regional-language channels from broadcasting, rebroadcasting or providing live coverage of such incidents.

The directive comes amid the imposition of an emergency rule in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Sunday, as debate continues over responsible reporting during security incidents and the media's obligation to provide timely information to the public.


The latest directive reiterates existing restrictions on live coverage of security incidents, with an emphasis on editorial oversight, verification of information and the use of broadcast delays.

The regulator directed channels to air only "verified information warranted by the relevant government departments or law enforcement agencies".

It also asked broadcasters to effectively use the time-delay mechanism and establish independent editorial boards in accordance with its laws and relevant court judgments.

The notification cited the Supreme Court's judgment in Suo Motu Case No. 28 of 2018 and an Islamabad High Court order issued on September 5, 2022, concerning the prescribed procedure for broadcast delays.

PEMRA warned that violations would invite legal proceedings under Sections 29A, 30 and 33 of the PEMRA Ordinance, 2002, as amended.