Staff Reporter Islamabad
The Pakistan Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) on Thursday reiterated its earlier ban on media coverage of the proscribed Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) as the group persisted with its long march to Islamabad.
According to a notification issued by the regulatory authority dated Oct 28, the directives are applicable to all satellite television channels, FM radio stations and distribution service networks.
The notification referred to an earlier letter by the Ministry of Interior on April 15 in which it had declared the TLP as a proscribed organisation for “being engaged in acts of terrorism, acting in a manner prejudicial to the peace and security of the country” and a subsequent letter issued by Pemra banning TV and radio coverage.
“It is reiterated that regulation 18(h) of Pemra (Television Broadcast Station Operation) Regulation, 2012 and clause 16 of the Electronic Media Code of Conduct, 2015 requires that the programmes shall conform to the laws of the country.
Further, Clause 3 (3) of Electronic Media Code of Conduct, 2015 prohibits media coverage of proscribed organisations,” the notification said.
The directives by the regulator come as a rally of thousands of TLP workers entered Gujranwala city on Thursday, determined to continue with their long march to Islamabad.
