ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on Sunday withdrew its orders it passed on Saturday for shutting down transmissions of private television channels as the situation deteriorated in the Federal Capital where the law enforcement agencies (LEAs) struggled to disperse the sit-in protesters at Faizabad.
Yesterday’s orders are as follow:
“It is informed that under the Electronic Media (Programmes and Advertisements) Code of Conduct 2015, live coverage of any security operation is prohibited. Therefore, all the satellite TV Channel licensees are directed to exhibit utmost sensitivity on the matter and comply with Clause 8(8) of Electronic Media (Programmes and Advertisements) Code of Conduct 2015, in letter and spirit and refrain from live coverage of the ongoing operation at Faiz-e-abad, Islamabad,” read a letter sent to All Satellite TV Channels Licensees by PEMRA.
“8(8) there is no live coverage of any ongoing security operation by the law enforcement agencies and licensee shall air only such information as may be warranted by the security agency Incharge of the operation.”
The PEMRA also asked media houses to ensure safety and security of their field staff.
“Camera crews and reporters should not go beyond the point as identified by the Incharge of the operation and ensure cooperation with law enforcement agencies,” the letter read.
Meanwhile, the Islamabad administration in compliance with Court orders is continuing its operation with the help of police, Frontier Constabulary (FC) and Rangers at Faizabad Interchange to clear it of sit-in protesters.
Heavy tear-gas shelling is being carried out while the fleeing protesters are being arrested. So far apart from death of one policeman, over 100 persons including security officials and protesters have been injured, and admitted in various hospitals.
