The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) has issued a directive to news channels, instructing them to cease broadcasting content involving individuals who have been declared ‘proclaimed offenders’ or who are currently absconding.
This move follows a decision by the Sindh High Court and aims to restrict certain rights of such individuals, including their appearance on television.
Pemra, on Saturday, provided a list of 11 names, comprising political figures, former military personnel, and media personalities, to electronic media outlets. The listed individuals are: Syed Akbar Hussain Shah, Sabir Shakir, Moid Peerzada, Wajahat Saeed Khan, Adil Farooq Raja, Haider Raza Mehdi, Shaheen Sehbai, Ali Nawaz Awan, Farooq Habib, Murad Saeed, and Hammad Azhar.
Referring to section 27 of the Pemra Ordinance 2002, the directive explicitly states that media coverage of the mentioned individuals, who are proclaimed offenders, is prohibited on electronic media platforms. News channels are instructed to abstain from airing any news, reports, statements, or tickers related to these individuals.
Pemra has emphasized the seriousness of adhering to this directive and has cautioned news channels about the potential imposition of severe penalties in case of non-compliance. Additionally, the matter has been referred to the Council of Complaints for further consideration.
