Pakistan Regulator Bars Live TV Coverage of Blasts, Firing, Terrorist Attacks
The regulator ordered broadcasters to use verified information and time delays, warning that violations could trigger legal action under the PEMRA Ordinance.
- On Tuesday, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority reiterated its ban on live coverage of "explosions, blasts, firing and terrorist attacks," warning of legal action under the PEMRA Ordinance, 2002.
- This directive follows the federal government's imposition of emergency rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Sunday, as violence-linked fatalities in the province rose from 265 to 829 in the third quarter of 2026.
- Broadcasters must now "effectively use time delay mechanism" and air only "verified information warranted by the relevant government departments or law enforcement agencies," while establishing independent editorial boards.
- On Friday, the Committee to Protect Journalists urged Pakistani authorities to withdraw these "sweeping restrictions," with Waliullah Rahmani, CPJ's Afghanistan and Pakistan representative, warning against creating a "system of official information control."
- Terrorist incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa increased by 195 per cent between March 1, 2024, and September 23, 2026, with 73 per cent of attacks recorded during 2026 targeting police and security personnel.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Pakistan Tightens Media Gag, Bars Live Coverage of Security Incidents
Get latest articles and stories on World at LatestLY. Pakistan’s media regulatory authorities have come under criticism for imposing sweeping restrictions on television broadcasters, raising concerns over press freedom, censorship and the government’s growing control over news coverage. World News | Pakistan Tightens Media Gag, Bars Live Coverage of Security Incidents.
Pakistan tightens media gag, bars live coverage of security incidents - The Tribune
Pakistan’s media regulatory authorities have come under criticism for imposing sweeping restrictions on television broadcasters, raising concerns over press freedom, censorship and the government’s growing control over news coverage.
Pakistan media regulator orders new restrictions on TV coverage of attacks and other ‘unpleasant’ incidents
New York, October 16, 2026—The Committee to Protect Journalists urges Pakistan authorities to withdraw sweeping restrictions preventing television network broadcasts from airing live coverage of terrorist attacks and other vaguely defined “unpleasant” incidents. Journalists and media workers must be able to report breaking news and current affairs independently, free from fear of legal retaliation, and...
The Economic Times
Times of IndiaPakistan regulator bars live TV coverage of blasts, firing, terrorist attacks
In a notification issued on Tuesday, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) reiterated its February 20, 2023, order prohibiting news, current affairs and regional-language channels from broadcasting, rebroadcasting or providing live coverage of such incidents.
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