ISLAMABAD, Dec 11: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has termed fresh warnings, issued to private TV channels by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra), including threats of three years’ sentence, Rs10 million fine and cancellation of licence under the amended Pemra Ordinance-2007, as a serious attempt to restrict TV channels’ election coverage.

The PFUJ said in a statement that it was surprising that without mentioning any name Pemra had issued the warning to the channels for violating its rules and gone to the extent of accusing them of inciting violence.

“It’s not only a warning but a threat to all TV channels and an attempt to silence the free media,” it said.