The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has prohibited the live coverage of any rally or public gathering saying today (Monday) a ban has been imposed on coverage of any party, person, or organisation.

The decision from the media regulator came hours before PTI chairman Imran khan’s appearance before Islamabad courts in five cases.

The media regulator said that it has been observed with concern that satellite TV channels are showing live footage/images of a violent mob, and attacks on police and law enforcement agencies.

“Such footage/images were seen on TV screens without any editorial oversight during a recent standoff between political party workers and law-enforcing agencies in Lahore wherein, a violent mob used petrol bombs, injuring unarmed policemen and [setting fire to] police vehicles. The live telecast of such footage on different satellite TV channels created chaos and panic among the viewers and police.”

If these directives are not followed, PEMRA said a channel’s 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, it said.

It is worth mentioning here that, the protective bail of the former prime minister is set to expire on March 27.

The former premier had been granted protective bail in the five cases on March 17 when he secured protective bail in a total of nine.