Pemra ‘advises’ TV channels to avoid airing content criticizing judiciary over dam fund
- By Web Desk -
- Sep 17, 2018
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) on Monday reprimanded the electronic media for airing programmes containing statements by different people against judiciary with regard to Diamer-Bhasha, Mohamand Dam Fund.
“A trend has been observed wherein news and current affairs channels have been found airing live programs of different politicians, analysts and legal fraternity containing aspersions against the judiciary, while referring to Diamer-Bhasha Dam Fund, without any editorial control,” the Pemra notification, titled ‘Advice’, said.
It said it was also observed that news channels were reportedly broadcasting derogatory remarks against the judiciary.
It is pertinent to mention here that the authority from time to time has been adivising the channels to refrain from airing any content which is in violation of Electronic Media (Programmes and Advertisements) Code of Conduct, 2015.
The Pemra said it had also issued directives to appoint in-house monitoring/ editorial committees and to deploy time delay mechanism.
It said no content should be aired against the judiciary and armed forces of Pakistan. Programmes on sub judice matters may be aired in informative manner and shall be handled objectively, it added.
Read More: CJP threatens opponents of dams with high treason case
The Pemra advised that hosts and producers of the programme shall discuss and review the contents of the programme prior to its going on air/ being recorded and ensure that its contests conform to, in letter and spirit, this Code of Conduct.
It barred channels from braodcasting any live programme unless there is an effective delaying mechanism to ensure effective monitoring and editorial control in conformity with the code.
The Pemra warned that in case of violation of the instructions, it could take action as per law.
Earlier, Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar has said that he would try opponents of dams under Article 6 of the Constitution of Pakistan if they didn’t mend their ways.