The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has restricted live coverage of events outside the Islamabad Judicial Complex, where Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan will be arriving for a court hearing today, while the media regulatory authority also suspended Bol News coverage amid police operation at the ex-premier’s Lahore residence.
PEMRA prohibited the live coverage of any rally or public gathering, saying today a ban has been imposed on coverage of any party, person, or organisation.
According to a statement, PEMRA referred to the clashes between PTI workers and law enforcement personnel outside Imran Khan’s Zaman Park residence, saying it had “observed with concern” that satellite TV channels were “showing live footages (sic) / images of a violent mob, attacks on police and law enforcing agencies”.
The regulator warned that in case of non-compliance, the license shall be suspended under Section 30 (3) of PEMRA Ordinance 2002 as amended by Pemra (Amendment) Act 2007, without any show cause notice in the public interest along with other enabling provisions of law.
Meanwhile, Punjab Police finally entered the PTI chief’s Lahore residence and arrested more than 20 party workers.
The police and PTI supporters recently fought pitched battles outside the former prime minister’s home in Lahore, wounding several on both sides when the former tried to arrest Khan.
However, a police operation was launched at Imran Khan’s residence this morning to clear the area of camps established by the party, after the PTI had reached an agreement with police.
