ISLAMABAD: Taking note of the current political rhetoric, the electronic media regulator has directed the TV channels to refrain from telecasting content against the state, judiciary and armed forces.

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) on Monday issued directives for all satellite TV channels — both news and current affairs — to refrain from telecasting content against state institutions.

Pemra has named the judiciary and armed forces particularly as state institutions. It has also been highlighted that such criticism has to be avoided while airing talk shows and news bulletins.

The regulator, however, did not specify any political party or group accused of criticising the country’s armed forces or judiciary.

“Licences have been sensitised of the fact that ridiculing state institutions, especially the judiciary and armed forces is against Pemra laws and various judgements of the Superior Courts,” it said.

A press release issued by the regulator also said that in the past Pemra has repeatedly directed its licencees to follow the Pemra laws and court orders in letter and spirit and refrain from airing slanderous campaign/content against any state institution, as airing of such content, prima facie, is deemed as propaganda.

Published in Dawn, May 17th, 2022