PEMRA bars TV channels from live coverage of blasts and terror attacks, orders time-delay and verified information only

Key takeaways

• The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has directed all satellite TV channels not to broadcast, re-broadcast or go live with coverage of explosions, blasts, firing or terrorist attacks.
• Channels must air only information that has been verified and cleared by the department or law enforcement agency concerned.
• The order, dated 13 October 2026, also tells channels to use a time-delay mechanism properly and to set up an independent editorial board.
• PEMRA says violations can lead to legal action under Sections 29-A, 30 and 33 of the PEMRA Ordinance 2002.
• The directive repeats a similar order from February 2023 and comes days after emergency and governor's rule were imposed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

What PEMRA ordered

In a notification dated 13 October, which Dawn and The Express Tribune both reported on Wednesday, PEMRA told news, current-affairs and regional-language channels to stay away from live and repeat coverage of any "unfortunate/unpleasant incident" such as an explosion, blast, firing or terrorist attack.

The regulator said channels should broadcast "only such verified information" that is warranted by the relevant department or law enforcement agency.

Channels were also told to:

• make effective use of a time-delay mechanism on live transmissions, and
• make sure an independent editorial board is in place, as required by PEMRA laws, a 2018 Supreme Court suo motu judgment and a 2022 Islamabad High Court order.

What happens if channels don't comply

PEMRA warned that any breach would invite legal action under Sections 29-A, 30 and 33 of the PEMRA Ordinance 2002, as amended.

Not a new rule, but a fresh reminder

The notification is a reiteration. PEMRA had issued a similar prohibition order on 20 February 2023, and this week's order refers back to it.

What is new is the timing. The reminder comes as the federal government has imposed an emergency and governor's rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, citing the provincial government's alleged disengagement from counter-terrorism. Parliament endorsed the emergency on Wednesday, while PTI rejected the move. On Tuesday, a PTI protest in Bara, Khyber district, turned violent, according to Dawn.

Why it matters

Live coverage of attacks has long been debated in Pakistan. Supporters of restrictions say live pictures can spread panic, reveal security operations or give militants publicity. Media rights groups have often argued that broad bans can limit the public's access to timely information during emergencies.

For viewers, the practical effect is that TV news is likely to rely more on official statements and delayed footage when an attack happens, rather than live pictures from the scene.

What to watch

• Whether PEMRA issues notices to any channel under the order in the coming days.
• Any response from broadcasters' bodies or journalist unions.
• Whether the order is linked to further media guidance while the KP emergency remains in force.