The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulation Authority (PEMRA) on Thursday directed all the satellite TV channel licensees to exercise utmost care while reporting on tension between Pakistan and Iran.
The statement came hours after Pakistan carried out 'highly coordinated', 'precision strikes' on terrorist hideouts in Iran's Sistan-o-Balochistan province.
The retaliation came over a day after Tehran carried out missile and drone strikes in Pakistan's Panjgur. The strikes were launched the day Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar met with the Iranian foreign minister on the sidelines of the WEF in Davos, Switzerland.
Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani also received a telephone call from the Foreign Minister of Iran, Hossein Amir Abdollahian.
Read also: Terrorist hideouts of BLA, BLF struck in Iran, says ISPR
“All the licensees are directed to avoid telecasting/ breaking any unsubstantiated news on recent development surfaced between Pakistan and Iran,” PEMRA said in a letter addressed to all the licensees operating in news and current affairs and regional languages.
PEMRA stressed that the licensees should verify information related to the tension between Pakistan and Iran from relevant institutions before broadcasting or airing.
“Licensees are expected to present factual information/reports through their transmission and support state narrative at this crucial time as and when released from the relevant institution,” it added.
PEMRA stated that news and programming heads, along with their respective teams, should be vigilant in verifying information received on their desks or through communication channels, and air only after necessary fact-checking, as any false reporting may cause unrest and insecurity among the public.
It warned that if any violation is observed, reported, or identified through complaints, the authority shall be constrained to proceed under Section 26, 29-A and 30 of PEMRA Ordinance 2002 as amended by PEMRA (Amendment) Act-2023.
Read the full story at the express tribune website.
