TV channels are prohibited from covering terrorist attacks in Pakistan.

The News International Newspaper, based in Pakistan, reported that the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) had forbidden news outlets from covering terrorist attacks. According to the report, the instructions followed a previous order requesting TV channels to abide by the 2015 Electronic Media Code of Conduct.

The notification stated, “It has been noticed with grave concern that satellite TV channels are unable to comply with provisions of the Electronic Media Code of Conduct-2015 in letter and spirit, despite repeated directives.” To “take the lead” and “credit” for breaking the news first, the regulatory body justified its decision by claiming that news channels frequently resort to marathon transmissions while ignoring fundamental journalistic standards and ethics.

By “airing live images of the crime scene,” channels are breaking journalistic ethics, the body claimed.

According to PEMRA, “Satellite TV channels and their staff are found to be ambivalent about not only their security but also present obstacles in search and rescue and combat operations.” In such a situation, information shared on news channels is “unverified, speculative without consulting security agencies present on the spot,” the addition continues.

The authority also stated that such reporting causes confusion among domestic and international viewers and benefits terrorists by “publicising their campaign” and allowing them to “use media as a form of political advertising.”