Live coverage banned outside judicial complex in Islamabad, Imran will reach for hearing

Islamabad | The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) on Saturday barred live coverage of events taking place outside the Islamabad judicial complex where Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan will arrive for a court hearing. Referring to the clashes between PTI workers and law enforcement personnel outside Imran’s Zaman Park residence, Dawn reported in a statement that it observed with concern that the satellite TV channel was airing violent mobs, police and Live footage and images of the attack were shown to the law enforcement agencies.

The restrictions were imposed after two days of clashes between PTI supporters and law enforcement personnel as they tried to execute court-ordered arrest warrants, Dawn reported.

According to the report, footage or images were seen on TV without any editorial oversight during the recent standoff between political party workers and law enforcement agencies in Lahore, in which violent mobs used petrol bombs. Not only this, the mob injured unarmed policemen and set police vehicles on fire.

The live telecast of such footage on various satellite TV channels created chaos and panic among the viewers and the police. According to Dawn news, such mob activism not only endangers the law and order situation, but also makes public properties and lives unsafe.

–IANN