Pakistan
PEMRA restricts TV channels from airing anti-state remarks
PEMRA stated that channels should promote national unity and hate mongers should be blacked out.
Islamabad: Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) directed the TV channels that air time should not be given to a person who incites anti-state sentiments, time delay mechanism should be used effectively, issuing code of conduct orders to all TV channels.
According to the orders issued by PEMRA, no time to be given to hateful, followers of violence, plotters on the channel, ensuring that all channels do not air violence, linguistic and communal content. The integrity of the armed forces, judiciary and ideology of Pakistan should be taken care of.
The authorities of media regulation stated that all citizens have the right to freedom of expression, except in certain circumstances, but violence, hatred, and inciting statements that causes harm to peace are prohibited.
The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority says that the channels are urged to abide by PEMRA laws, constitution, Supreme Court orders.
It added that government property was destroyed and human lives were endangered in the events of May 9, while anti-state sentiments were raised to weaken the federal government.
The authorities stated that this is a terrible trend, which should be condemned and media promoting such activities should be boycotted, instructing all channels to be cautious in this context.
PEMRA stated that channels should promote national unity and hate mongers should be blacked out.