The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) has restricted all television channels and other media outlets from covering any activity of the banned Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).
While issuing the orders in a notification, Pemra referred to the April 15 letter of the Interior Ministry, which had declared the TLP a proscribed outfit, as well as its earlier notification about banning its coverage. It was in April that Pemra first placed a ban on the TLP after it was banned by the government.
Read more – ‘Go back or things will be out of my hands,’ Sheikh Rasheed warns TLP protesters
The official notification says, “It is reiterated that regulation 18(h) of Pemra (Television Broadcast Station Operation) Regulation, 2012 and clause 16 of the Electronic Media Code of Conduct, 2015 requires that the programmes shall conform to the laws of the country. Further, Clause 3 (3) of Electronic Media Code of Conduct, 2015 prohibits media coverage of proscribed organisations.”
“Keeping in view the reasons stated above, in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 27 of Pemra Ordinance, 2002 as amended by Pemra Amendment Act, 2007 all satellite TV channels, FM radio stations and distribution service networks (Cobb TV Operators, IPTV) are hereby directed to stop the media coverage of proscribed organisation TLP,” read the statement.
Read more – ‘Will not allow facts to be distorted’: TLP asks Sheikh Rasheed to reveal details of negotiations
Currently, TLP is determined to continue with its long march to the federal capital, Islamabad.
Recent clashes between the banned organisation and the government resulted in at least five officials’ death and more than 200 injuries.
