The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has warned of initiating action against Geo and ARY News for breaching the Code of Conduct under the Election Act, 2017, a spokesperson for the electoral watchdog said on Thursday.

“The ECP has directed the Pakistan Electronic Regulatory Authority to warn Geo News and ARY News for violating the Election Act, 2017 after they published the interviews and statements of political leaders on the night of February 7 against the ECP directive,” the ECP spokesperson added.

The electoral watchdog has directed the PEMRA to take action including suspension of broadcasting against the two channels if they continue to violate the ECP rules.

It is pertinent to mention that the Code of Conduct for media under the Election Act, 2017 barred the media houses from publishing, or broadcasting any content regarding the election campaign from February 6 midnight.

The ECP spokesperson said that several media houses continue to breach the rules. He warned of an action against media houses violating the Code of Conduct.