PEMRA Takes Strict Action Against Violation of Media Code of Conduct–Prohibition Order Issued

PEMRA Restricts TV Channels from Airing F-9 Park Incident Details – Official Notification Issued:

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has issued a strict government notification prohibiting satellite TV channels from airing details regarding the F-9 Park incident in Islamabad. The decision comes in response to violations of Clause 8 of the PEMRA Electronic Media (Programmes and Advertisements) Code of Conduct-2015, which strictly prohibits disclosing the identity of rape victims.

The order, issued under Section 27 (a) of the PEMRA Ordinance 2002, immediately bans the broadcast or rebroadcast of news and reports related to the case. The notification also warns that any non-compliance will result in strict action, including suspension of the TV channel’s license under Section 30 (3) of the PEMRA Ordinance 2002, without any prior show-cause notice.

This move highlights PEMRA’s commitment to ethical journalism and ensures that media houses adhere to responsible reporting practices. TV channels are now required to follow the prohibition order to avoid legal action. Please find the notification:

Government of Pakistan
PAKISTAN ELECTRONIC MEDIA
REGULATORY AUTHORITY

PEMRA Headquarters
Building, Mauve Area,
G-8/1, Islamabad.

F.No.3(07)/2023/OPS-BM/4293

Islamabad, the 05^th February, 2023

All Satellite TV Channels
(News and Current Affairs /
Regional Language Channels)

SUBJECT:             PROHIBITION ORDER UNDER SECTION 27 OF PEMRA ORDINANCE 2002 AS AMENDED BY PEMRA (AMENDMENT) ACT 2007

                              It has been observed with grave concern that few satellite TV channels are airing reports with regard to rape incident in F-9 Park Islamabad wherein identity of rape victim has been revealed which is in violation of clause 8 of PEMRA Electronic Media (Programmes and Advertisements) Code of Conduct-2015.

2.                           While exercising powers conferred under Section 27 (a) of the PEMRA Ordinance 2002 as amended by PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007, broadcast/rebroadcast of news/reports with regard to F-9 Park Islamabad incident is PROHIBITED, with immediate effect.

3.                           In case of non-compliance the license may be suspended under Section 30 (3) of PEMRA Ordinance 2002 as amended by PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007, without any show cause notice in the public interest along with other enabling provisions of law.

4.                           This issues with approval of the Chairman, PEMRA.

Director
 (Operations – Broadcast Media)

Ensuring Responsible Journalism: PEMRA’s Action Against Violation of Media Ethics:

PEMRA’s latest notification serves as a critical reminder to all news and current affairs channels about their responsibility to follow the Code of Conduct-2015. Protecting the privacy and dignity of victims is a fundamental ethical principle in journalism, and any violation of such guidelines can have severe legal consequences.

The F-9 Park incident has raised concerns about media ethics and responsible reporting, making PEMRA’s decision an essential step in regulating broadcast standards. News channels are urged to strictly comply with the prohibition order and ensure that sensitive cases are reported without violating privacy laws.

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