Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND) termed the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA)’s ban on coverage of bomb blasts, shootings, and untoward incidents as an authoritarian move.
Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND) has termed PEMRA’s ban on coverage of blasts, shootings, and other untoward incidents as illegal and authoritarian.
President, Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors Azhar Abbas said in a message on his Twitter handle that Prime Minister, your government is making deliberate efforts to curb freedom of expression.
Addressing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Azhar Abbas said that while you are celebrating the golden jubilee of our constitution, you are taking away the right to freedom of expression enshrined in the same book.
The senior journalist and writer also shared a statement by the Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors condemning PEMRA’s bans.
@CMShehbaz @president_pmln
Mr Prime Minister, deliberate efforts are being made to curb freedom of speech by your Govt. While you celebrate Golden Jubliee of our Constitution, you are taking away the right of free speech enshrined in that very book. pic.twitter.com/PanI2ueLoL— Azhar Abbas (@AzharAbbas3) April 11, 2023
Amand’s statement said that PEMRA is frequently using various tactics to harass and pressure TV channels.
According to the editors’ organization, various restrictions are being imposed on TV channels under the guise of disturbing the broadcast by the cable operators and misinterpreting various court orders.
Amand said that after the announcement and non-announcement bans on broadcasting speeches of political leaders and the orders to stop coverage of public gatherings, the cover page of explosions, shootings and unpleasant incidents has also been banned, which is completely malicious and against the law. is the worst example of misuse of
Amand said that PEMRA is following an approach of dictating rather than regulating, which aims to prevent channels from showing the facts, suppress freedom of expression and deprive the public of their right to information. Which Amand strongly condemns.