Pakistan bars live TV coverage of attacks; CPJ warns of censorship

Pakistan’s media regulator has ordered satellite TV channels to refrain from broadcasting, rebroadcasting, or airing live coverage of explosions, blasts, shootings, terrorist attacks, and other incidents it described as “unfortunate” or “unpleasant”.

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) issued the directive on October 13, 2026, warning of legal action against broadcasters that do not comply. Under the order, channels may air only information verified by government departments or law enforcement agencies, and must use broadcast delays and maintain independent editorial boards.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) urged Pakistani authorities on October 16 to withdraw the restrictions, warning they risk turning safety safeguards into official information control. “Preventing journalists from independent reporting of major security incidents and requiring them to rely on information authorized by state and security agencies risks turning legitimate safety safeguards into a system of official information control and censorship,” said Waliullah Rahmani, CPJ’s Afghanistan and Pakistan representative. “Pakistani authorities must rescind these sweeping restrictions and allow newsrooms to make responsible editorial decisions without fear of regulatory retaliation.”

The directive reiterates restrictions first imposed by PEMRA in February 2023, when it accused channels of broadcasting unverified and speculative information during militant attacks. It follows the imposition of emergency rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa amid heightened political-security instability, and August guidelines requiring foreign journalists and their associates to register with the information ministry before reporting outside Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. The ministry did not respond to CPJ’s request for comment.

Sources: Committee to Protect Journalists · The Statesman