PEMRA reiterates ban on media coverage of TLP protest

JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 30 October 2021

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority has reiterated its ban on media coverage of the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan. This decision follows the organization's declaration as proscribed by the Ministry of Interior due to terrorism activities.
Summary

ISLAMABAD—The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has reiterated its earlier ban on media coverage of the proscribed Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), the group persisting with its long march to Islamabad, Dawn reported.

The notification referred to an earlier letter by the Ministry of Interior on April 15 in which it had declared the TLP as a proscribed organization for "being engaged in acts of terrorism, acting in a manner prejudicial to the peace and security of the country" and a subsequent letter issued by PEMRA banning TV and radio coverage.

"It is reiterated that regulation 18(h) of Pemra (Television Broadcast Station Operation) Regulation, 2012 and clause 16 of the Electronic Media Code of Conduct, 2015 requires that the programmes shall conform to the laws of the country. Further, Clause 3 (3) of Electronic Media Code of Conduct, 2015 prohibits media coverage of proscribed organisations," the notification stated.

"Keeping in view the reasons stated above, in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 27 of Pemra Ordinance, 2002 as amended by Pemra Amendment Act, 2007 all satellite TV channels, FM radio stations and distribution service networks (Cobb TV Operators, IPTV) are hereby directed to stop the media coverage of proscribed organisation Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan," it further said.

According to the notification, the directives are applicable to all satellite television channels, FM radio stations, and distribution service networks.

KEY POINTS:

PEMRA issued a notification reinforcing the media coverage ban.
TLP has been classified as a proscribed organization since April 15.
The ban includes all satellite TV channels, FM radio stations, and distribution networks.
Regulation 18(h) prohibits coverage of proscribed organizations.
The directive emphasizes adherence to the Electronic Media Code of Conduct.