PEMRA guidelines urge TV networks to abide by the PEMRA's 2015 Electronic Media Code of Conduct in addition to past directives on the subject.
According to a notification issued today, the regulatory body stated: "It has been observed with grave concern that despite repeated directives, satellite TV channels are unable to comply with provisions of the Electronic Media Code of Conduct-2015 in letter and spirit."
The regulatory body stated that news channels initiate marathon transmissions whenever a terror attack occurs, adding that it is also a sheer violation of basic journalistic ethics.
PEMRA said that satellite TV channels’ staff "not only risk their own lives by doing so but also create hurdles in rescue and combat operations."
Moreover, the information broadcasted on TV news channels in such a situation is unverified as it is disseminated without consulting security agencies present on the spot.
The regulatory body stated that such inappropriate reporting creates panic among domestic and overseas viewers.
PEMRA also mentioned that reporting such incidents gives benefits to terrorists as it serves their ideological purposes by publicizing their campaign.
PEMRA has imposed a ban on coverage of terror attacks at a time when the country is facing terror attacks one after another.
Recently, terrorists attacked the Karachi police chief’s office with hand grenades, and shots were fired. Two policemen, two rangers, and one civilian were martyred in the attack. Of the 14 injured, one is in critical condition.
The siege was brought to an end on the same day, and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah later said the three militants responsible for the attack were killed.
"Three attackers were behind the attack on the Karachi Police Office. All three are now dead. The police force, rangers, and army helped in resolving this situation. I commend them for their bravery," he said in a video statement.