Pakistan media regulator restricts live coverage of security incidents

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has issued a directive prohibiting satellite television channels from broadcasting live coverage of explosions, blasts, shootings, and terrorist attacks. The order mandates that broadcasters refrain from airing any “unfortunate” or “unpleasant” incidents and instead rely on information verified by government departments or law enforcement agencies.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has condemned these restrictions, calling on Pakistani authorities to rescind the order. CPJ representative Waliullah Rahmani warned that requiring journalists to rely solely on state-authorized information risks turning security reporting into a system of official censorship and information control.

This directive reiterates restrictions previously issued by PEMRA in February 2023, which targeted the broadcasting of unverified information during militant attacks. The new mandate also requires broadcasters to utilize time delays and maintain independent editorial boards to ensure compliance.