PEMRA Issues Guidelines for Media Coverage on Tension Between Pakistan and Iran

Following the escalating tensions between Pakistan and Iran, PEMRA has issued a general guideline for television channels to proceed with extreme caution’ in their coverage of regional matters.

The notice issued on Thursday afternoon, directs PEMRA licensees operating under ‘news and currents affairs’ and ‘regional language’, PEMRA emphasized that the institutions practicing responsible journalism should refrain telecasting or breaking any unproven news against recent developments between Pakistan and Iran.

The regulator emphasized the need for licensees to cross check information received from any source with the Foreign Office spokesperson and other appropriate state bodies. The regulator added that such verification will help to maintain integrity of the information being published during this critical time.

This crucial time needs licensees to provide fact-based information and reports that are consistent with the state narrative. It added that all news and programming heads and their respective teams may be sensitized to verify each and every information received on their desks or WhatsApp Group and aired only after necessary fact checking since false reporting may cause unrest among public.

PEMRA warns that failure to comply with the mentioned guidelines will be punishable under sections 26, 29-A, and 30 of PEMRA Ordinance 2002 as amended through the PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2023. The authority emphasized the importance of abiding by these rules to keep journalistic standards and avoid any unintentional escalation of tensions through inaccurate information.

Here is the notification: