Pakistan’s media regulator vows ‘strict action’ against channels for speculative reporting on national polls

An undated file photo shows a general view of Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) head office in Islamabad, Pakistan. (Photo courtesy: ZunNurain Khalid)

• PEMRA says false information or media content about the general elections may shatter public confidence in voting process
• Local media outlets have been speculating about election delay despite ECP’s announcement to hold the polls on February 8

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s media regulator issued a directive for all satellite television channels this week, asking them to comply with its code of conduct by ensuring no speculative or false information was aired that could hamper the smooth conduct of the electoral exercise or face “strict action.”
The notification followed a complaint by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) that expressed concerns about recent stories that insinuated at a possible election delay in the country.
The national elections were originally expected to take place in November after Pakistan’s national and two provincial assemblies were dissolved in August before reaching the end of their tenure. However, the ECP decided to redraw hundreds of national and provincial constituencies on the basis of a digital census carried out earlier this year in April before arranging the electoral contest. Its officials later scheduled the voting process for the last week of January before announcing Feb. 8 as the final date after consultations with the country’s President Dr. Arif Alvi on the Supreme Court’s instructions.
Given Pakistan’s uncertain political environment, however, local media outlets have continued to speculate about the possibility of yet another delay.
“Dissemination of such news [about delay in national polls] may undermine the preparedness of Election Commission of Pakistan for conducting General Elections on 8th February, 2024,” Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) said in a notification issued on Nov. 3.
It noted such media content could impact ECP’s “credibility” and shatter “public trust and confidence in the electoral process.”
“Therefore, it is reiterated that all the licensees while airing their transmission prior to General Elections 2024 must be mindful of the fact that no such content / discussion / comment is aired which may create doubts or an impression in the minds of general public with regard to conduct of General Elections 2024 or may sabotage elections through any negative / false news, information or report aired on any satellite TV channel, inadvertently,” it continued.
“Airing of any such news / content would be deemed in violation of PEMRA Laws,” it said while warning of “strict action” against such satellite TV channels.