PEMRA orders TV channels to clear delayed salaries before Eid

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 26 February 2026 |  JP Staff Report

PEMRA directed satellite TV licensees to pay delayed salaries before Eid ul Fitr after complaints from a journalists' union. The regulator warned the Council of Complaints can recommend sanctions and Section 20B allows suspension of govt ads for defaulters.

Summary

ISLAMABAD — The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has directed all satellite television channel licensees to ensure the timely payment of delayed staff salaries ahead of Eid ul Fitr, citing concerns raised by journalists’ representatives.

The directive follows a formal complaint by the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists, whose president, Tariq Usmani, highlighted persistent salary delays affecting newsroom employees.

Salary complaints trigger regulatory warning

In a written communication to television channel licensees, PEMRA asked managements to clear outstanding wages at the earliest and submit a compliance report by the first week of March. The regulator underscored the financial strain on media workers during the holy month and the upcoming Eid, when household expenses typically rise.

According to the letter, media workers can file complaints under provisions of the amended PEMRA Act with the regulator’s Council of Complaints over non-payment of wages and related employment concerns.

Enforcement powers linked to government ads

PEMRA stated that after a hearing of any complaints, the Council of Complaints may recommend action to the Authority. If a licensee fails to comply with the regulator’s decision, Section 20B of the PEMRA Act can be invoked, including the suspension of government advertising to the defaulting channel until outstanding dues are cleared.

The move signals a potential escalation in enforcement, as government advertising remains a significant revenue source for many broadcasters. Blocking such advertisements could exert financial pressure on channels that fail to pay staff salaries on time.

Industry observers say salary delays have been a recurring problem in parts of Pakistan’s electronic media sector, particularly during periods of declining advertising revenue and broader economic stress. However, regulatory intervention tied directly to compliance reporting and possible ad suspensions marks a more formal accountability mechanism.

WHY THIS MATTERS: For Pakistani journalists and newsroom staff, the directive reinforces that wage disputes can be formally pursued through a regulatory channel rather than relying solely on internal management processes. The linkage between salary compliance and government advertising introduces a tangible enforcement tool that could influence newsroom stability and labor practices. Media organizations may need to reassess financial planning and payroll prioritization to avoid regulatory penalties.

ATTRIBUTION: Information based on PEMRA’s official communication to satellite TV licensees and statements by the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists, as publicly documented and shared with media outlets.

PHOTO: AI-generated; for illustrative purposes only.