ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has directed all satellite television channels to refrain from the broadcast, re-broadcast and live coverage of any "unfortunate/unpleasant" incident such as an explosion, blast, firing or terrorist attack.
According to Dawn, the order dated October 13, 2026 — reported on October 14 — said satellite channels must broadcast only verified information warranted by the department or law enforcement agency concerned.
Channels were further instructed to use time-delay mechanisms effectively and to constitute independent editorial boards in line with PEMRA laws, the Supreme Court's 2018 suo motu judgment and the Islamabad High Court's 2022 order on the proper use of delay procedures so that content can be reviewed before it goes on air.
PEMRA warned that violations would invite legal action under Sections 29-A, 30 and 33 of the PEMRA Ordinance 2002. The order also referred to a similar directive issued in February 2023. Pakistan Today and The Express Tribune corroborated the same order.
The directive comes after the federal government imposed governor's rule and an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Sunday, citing what it described as the provincial government's "deliberate disengagement" from the fight against terrorism, amid weeks of political tension with the PTI.