Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) prohibits television channels from broadcasting footage of crime scenes, recovered evidence, or custodial interviews of detained suspects, warning broadcasters of strict legal consequences for violations.

FOE Link or motive by PPF

Confirmed

Case Update Status

N/A

Summary of Case

On August 27, 2025, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) prohibited television channels from broadcasting footage of crime scenes, recovered evidence, or custodial interviews of detained suspects, warning broadcasters of strict legal consequences for violations. In a directive issued, PEMRA said the directive aims to prevent obstruction in ongoing police investigations. The regulator reminded TV channels that similar guidelines had already been issued on June 19 and November 15, 2023, cautioning against airing CCTV videos or images of accused individuals. The latest move came after Sindh Police approached PEMRA once again, urging firm action against channels airing crime-related material during investigations. The authority directed broadcasters to ensure that program managers, news editors, producers, and graphic teams are fully briefed about the ban. PEMRA warned that violations would invite legal action under the PEMRA Ordinance 2002 and the PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2023, which provide for penalties including fines, license suspension, and confiscation of equipment.

Category of Incident

Censorship, PEMRA directive

ICCS Status

ICCS Divisions: N/A

ICCS Group: N/A

ICCS Class: 08031- Unlawful censorship

ICCS Crime: N/A

Reported By

X

Date of incident

27

Month

August

Year

2025

Name of affected person

N/A

Other affected persons

N/A

Name of affected organization

N/A

Other affected organizations

N/A

Action by

Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA)

City

Nationwide

Province

Nationwide

Designation

N/A

Professional category

N/A

Age of victim

N/A

Marital Status

N/A

Compensation Details

Amount of compensation announced by government: N/A

Date of compensation announcement by government: N/A

Date of compensation paid by government: N/A

Amount of compensation announced by others: N/A

Date of compensation announced by others: N/A

Date compensation paid by others: N/A

FIR Details

Was FIR registered ?: No

Court Details

Was case investigated ?: No

Court where case was presented: N/A

Name of prosecuting lawyer: N/A

Date of first court hearing:

Date of last court hearing:

Status of court case: N/A

Journalist Union Status

PFUJ

No version was recorded

APNS

No version was recorded

CPNE

No version was recorded

PBA

No version was recorded

Media Source Status

Media reports:

https://x.com/TheFarhanAKhan/status/1962815013699117388

Condemn Status

Colleague of victim

No version was recorded

Employer organization

No version was recorded

Press Club Status

Press club 1: N/A

Press club 2: N/A

Press club 3: N/A