• Home
• /
• World

Pakistan's Pemra cautions media on Saudi-Iran row coverage

Islamabad - "It has been observed that some TV channels are trying to make the issue more controversial instead of remaining neutral and addressing it professionally," a statement by the authority said.

Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) has directed all media houses to be 'cautious' and follow rules set by the body while discussing the Saudi-Iran standoff.
"It has been observed that some TV channels are trying to make the issue more controversial instead of remaining neutral and addressing it professionally," a statement by the authority said.
It maintained that some of the programmes aired after the recent Saudi-Iran row also used words that might have hurt sentiments of various communities and sects living in the country, clearly breaching the National Action Plan.
"Airing such shows is a clear violation of Article 19 of Pakistan's constitution and Supreme Court's directions for the electronic media," said the statement.
Pemra has also advised the broadcasters that since violating 'Pemra Act section 29 30' is a crime, they should take extra caution when debating topics that might damage friendly relations with our neighboring countries and others.
The Council of Arab Diplomats in Islamabad recently complained that a section of Pakistani media was airing distorted view of the conflict.
The statement by Pemra also includes directives for electronic media as set by the Supreme Court.
The directives state that no content should be aired which might hurt the sentiments of any community, religious group, disturb the harmony among them, or fall under the hate-speech against any sect.
news@khaleejtimes.com

• Pakistan