The rape incident that occurred last Thursday in Islamabad’s F-9 park was not allowed to be covered by TV stations, according to the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA).
The electronic media watchdog announced a ban on reporting on the rape event, citing irresponsible reporting by a “few” channels that accidentally revealed the victim’s identify.
The notification stated, “It has been noted with grave concern that some satellite TV channels are airing reports regarding a rape incident in F-9 Park Islamabad in which the identity of the rape victim has been revealed which is in violation of clause 8 of PEMRA Electronic Media (Programs and Advertisements) Code of Conduct-2015.”
The media watchdog used its authority under Section 27 (a) of the PEMRA Ordinance 2002, as amended by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007, to forbid the transmission and replay of news and reporting regarding the incident at the park in the federal capital, with “immediate effect.”
The regulatory body also stated that, in the public interest and in accordance with other legal regulations, the licences of channels that do not follow its instructions will be suspended in accordance with Section 30(3) of the PEMRA Ordinance 2002, without the need for a show-cause notice.
PEMRA Chairman Muhammad Saleem Baig has given his assent for the release of the notification. According to authorities, two armed males allegedly sexually assaulted a female at F-9 Park while holding her at gunpoint on Saturday.
