ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) has prohibited all television channels from airing news or reports on the F-9 Park rape case in order to protect the victim’s identity.

The electronic media regulator has issued directives saying that some satellite news channels were airing reports with regards to the rape incident in F-9 Park where the identity of the rape victim had been revealed.

“This is a violation of clause 8 of Pemra Electronic Media (Programmes and Advertisements) Code of Conduct 2015,” it said.

The directive added that while exercising powers conferred under Section 27 (a) of the Pemra Ordinance 2002 as amended by Pemra (Amendment) Act 2007, “broadcast/rebroadcast of news/reports with regard to F-9 Park Islamabad incident is prohibited with immediate effect.”

In case of non-compliance, it warned, the licence of the television channel may be suspended without any show-cause notice in the public interest along with other enabling provisions of law.

Published in Dawn, February 8th, 2023