ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulation Authority (PEMRA) on Thursday issued a directive to all satellite TV channel licensees to exercise “utmost care” in reporting on the “tension between Pakistan and Iran.”
In a letter addressed to licensees operating in “news & current affairs and regional languages,” PEMRA urged caution in telecasting or breaking any unverified news related to recent developments between Pakistan and Iran.
The Authority stressed the importance of verifying information with relevant institutions before broadcasting.
Licensees were specifically instructed to present factual information and reports that align with the state narrative during this critical time, pending release from the relevant institutions. PEMRA called for heightened awareness among news and programming heads and their teams to verify all information before airing, emphasizing the potential for false reporting to cause public unrest and insecurity.
PEMRA issued a warning that any observed violations, reported complaints, or identified issues would lead to the Authority taking action under Section 26, 29-A, and 30 of the PEMRA Ordinance 2002, as amended by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act-2023.
