PEMRA bars TV channels from airing live coverage of rallies and public gatherings in Islamabad, citing safety concerns

Pakistan’s media regulatory body, PEMRA, has issued a notification prohibiting television channels from broadcasting live coverage of rallies and public gatherings in Islamabad, including those involving political parties.

The ban also includes a prohibition on any procession or rally taking place at the judicial complex in the city, where the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan is scheduled to appear.

The decision comes after PEMRA observed that several satellite TV channels were airing footage of a violent mob attacking police and law enforcement agencies in Lahore, causing panic among viewers and law enforcement officials. PEMRA clarified that the restriction was limited to Islamabad and was taken on the advice of law enforcement agencies.