Pakistan's Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has issued a directive prohibiting live or unauthorised broadcasts of terrorist attacks on satellite television channels. The order, signed by PEMRA chairperson Umair Uzim, requires that any content related to terrorist incidents be aired only after verification and authorisation by security agencies. This move aims to prevent the spread of unverified information and minimize panic among viewers.
The directive applies to all licensed satellite television channels, including those broadcasting in regional languages. PEMRA has warned that failure to comply with the order will result in legal action. The regulator first introduced the ban on 20 February 2023, citing concerns that live coverage creates panic and unwarranted chaos among viewers both within Pakistan and among the diaspora.
Despite the earlier directive, some stations continued to air live images of terrorist incidents, prompting the renewed warning from PEMRA. The regulator argued that unverified reporting hampers rescue and combat operations, endangers staff, and provides terrorists a platform for political advertising and organisational advantage.
The directive comes amid a sharp rise in terror incidents in Pakistan, with the Pakistani Taliban and Balochistan Liberation Army driving a surge in militant activity. According to the Global Terrorism Index, Pakistan topped the index in 2026, with deaths exceeding 1,000 in 2025 and a marked increase in the number of attacks.
The Global Terrorism Index reflects heightened cross-border militant activity in the region. PEMRA's move is seen as an effort to curb the spread of misinformation and ensure that only verified information is disseminated to the public. The regulator has emphasized the importance of cooperation from satellite channels in implementing this directive.
The ban on live terror attack coverage is part of a broader effort to combat terrorism in Pakistan. The country's media landscape has faced criticism for its coverage of terrorist incidents, with some arguing that live broadcasts can inadvertently aid militants. PEMRA's directive aims to strike a balance between the public's right to information and the need to prevent the spread of misinformation.
The implementation of the directive will be closely watched by media stakeholders and human rights groups. While PEMRA's move aims to promote responsible reporting, some have expressed concerns about the potential impact on press freedom. The regulator has maintained that the directive is necessary to ensure public safety and prevent the spread of unverified information.
Key points
- PEMRA's directive requires satellite channels to broadcast only verified information sanctioned by the relevant law-enforcement department.
- The ban on live terror attack coverage aims to prevent panic and unwarranted chaos among viewers.
- Pakistan topped the 2026 Global Terrorism Index, with deaths exceeding 1,000 in 2025.
