Case Update Status

PEMRA reiterated its earlier ban on media coverage of the proscribed Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP)

Summary of Case

"On 28 Oct, 2021 the Pakistan Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) 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.

""Keeping in view the reasons stated above, in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 27 of Pemra Ordinance, 2002 as amended by Pemra Amendment Act, 2007 all satellite TV channels, FM radio stations and distribution service networks (Cobb TV Operators, IPTV) are hereby directed to stop the media coverage of proscribed organisation Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan,"" it 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.

Recent clashes between the protesters and police officials have claimed the lives of at least five officials and left more than 200 injured.

This is not the first time this year the regulator has slapped a ban on media coverage of the TLP. In April, Pemra had banned television and radio coverage of the TLP after it was declared a proscribed entity by the government."

Category of Incident

Censorship

ICCS Status

ICCS Divisions: 0803-Acts related to freedom of expression or control of expression

ICCS Group: 08039-Other acts related to freedom of expression or control of expression

ICCS Class: N/A

ICCS Crime: Acts related to freedom of expression or control of expression

Reported By

Dawn

Date of incident

28

Month

October

Year

2021

Name of affected person

No person affected

Other affected persons

No other person affected

Name of affected organization

All TV and Radio Channels

Other affected organizations

All TV and Radio Channels

Action by

Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA)

City

Nationwide

Province

Nationwide

Designation

N/A

Professional category

N/A

Age of victim

Not applicable

Marital Status

Compensation Details

Amount of compensation announced by government: No compensation announced

Date of compensation announcement by government: No compensation announced

Date of compensation paid by government: No compensation announced

Amount of compensation announced by others: No compensation announced

Date of compensation announced by others: No compensation announced

Date compensation paid by others: No compensation announced

FIR Details

Was FIR registered ?: No

Court Details

Was case investigated ?: N/A

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

N/A

APNS

CPNE

PBA

Media Source Status

Media reports:

Condemn Status

Colleague of victim

N/A

Employer organization

N/A

Press Club Status

Press club 1: N/A

Press club 2:

Press club 3: