Pemra imposes ban on live coverage of events at Islamabad Judicial Complex

The media regulator said the ban was imposed under Section 27(A) of the PEMRA Act.
The media was barred from reporting the events at the Islamabad Judicial Complex.
Pemra says mob activity endangers the law and order situation.

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on Saturday barred television channels from live coverage of rallies or public gatherings and said “coverage of any party, person or organization is banned from today.”

According to PEMRA, the injunction includes a ban on any procession or rally being taken out today at Islamabad’s Judicial Complex – where Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan is going to appear..

In an advisory titled “Prohibition Order on Live Coverage under Section 27 of PEMRA Ordinance 2001”, the electronic media regulator said it was concerned that satellite TV channels were showing live footage and images. Violent mobs, attacks on police and law enforcement agencies.

“Such footage/images were seen on TV screens without any editorial oversight during the recent standoff between political party workers and law enforcement agencies in Lahore in which a violent mob used petrol bombs, Unarmed policemen were injured and police vehicles were torched. The footage on various satellite TV channels created chaos and panic among viewers and the police.”

Pemra’s letter said that such mob activities not only endanger the law and order situation but also endanger public property and lives.

The media regulator said airing such content violates the Supreme Court of Pakistan’s ruling.

“The Competent Authority in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 26(a) of the PEMRA Ordinance 2002 as amended by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007, shall, by any party, organization, any rally, Prohibits live/recorded coverage of public gathering, procession. and individuals etc. for today i.e. 18th March 2023 including from Judicial Complex, Islamabad.”

The regulator warned that in case of non-compliance the license will be suspended under Section 30(3) of the PEMRA Ordinance 2002 as amended by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007, without any show cause notice in public interest. With applicable provisions. of the law.

In a later clarification, the regulator added that the imposed ban is limited to Islamabad and the action was taken on the recommendations of law enforcement agencies.