New York, October 16, 2026—The Committee to Protect Journalists urges Pakistan authorities to withdraw sweeping restrictions preventing television network broadcasts from airing live coverage of terrorist attacks and other vaguely defined “unpleasant” incidents. Journalists and media workers must be able to report breaking news and current affairs independently, free from fear of legal retaliation, and in the public interest.
On October 13, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) ordered all satellite television channels to refrain from broadcasting, rebroadcasting, or airing live coverage of any “unfortunate” or “unpleasant” incident, including explosions, blasts, shootings, and terrorist attacks, according to a copy of the directive reviewed by CPJ.
Warning of legal action against broadcasters that don’t comply, PEMRA said they can only air information that has been verified by the relevant government departments or law enforcement agencies. Broadcasters must also use time delays and maintain independent editorial boards, according to the directive.
“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 on television channels first issued in February 2023 by PEMRA, which accused TV channels of broadcasting unverified and speculative information during militant attacks.
In August, Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued guidelines requiring foreign journalist and their associates in Pakistan, as well as those working with international media, to register with the ministry and obtain a certificate before undertaking reporting assignments outside Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.
The latest directive comes after heightened political-security instability in Pakistan, including the imposition of emergency rule in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting did not respond to CPJ’s email seeking comment.