Web Desk (LTN NEWS): PEMRA says that false and misleading information hurts the state institutions. Tuesday, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) told all TV stations that they shouldn’t show anything that hurts state institutions.
The agency in charge of regulating electronic media told TV stations not to spread propaganda, false information, or information that hurts institutions.
According to PEMRA, the news, show hosts, guests, and analysts who spread false or misleading information make the institutions look bad.
In a statement, PEMRA said that airing this kind of content goes against the rules set by the authority, the PEMRA Electronic Media (Programs and Ads) Code of Conduct 2015, and the principles set by the Superior Courts.
“All satellite TV channel licensees are ordered to follow the principles set out in the Constitution as well as the rulings of the Supreme Court of Pakistan in suo moto case no. 28 of 2018 and the Islamabad High Court in Criminal Original No. 270/2019 dated 25-11-2019 and ensure strict compliance with the relevant provisions of PEMRA laws,” the statement said.
PBA is against spreading false information about institutions
The Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) said that it has always supported freedom of speech and freedom of the press, but it does not like when institutions are hurt by false information.
In its statement, PBA said that it is working with the government and other media groups to make rules against disinformation, especially the spread of disinformation on social media, which hurts journalism.
“The most important thing we need right now is to encourage responsible use of social media and discourage false information,” the statement said.
The group said that spreading false information not only hurts the country and its institutions, but also makes people less safe, less tolerant, and less stable.
