Pakistan Broadcasters Association has condemned the unilateral closure of news channels by the Government. PBA is a signatory to the Code of Conduct that is approved by the Supreme Court and has always been willing to abide by it. The right to information is a fundamental right guaranteed by the constitution. PBA members have been responsibly covering the event and protest for the viewers of Pakistan including the dharna's side effects as well as the courts judgement regarding it. As per the code of conduct on sensitive security operations. PBA members will avoid live coverage that can jeopardize the operation and safety of security personnel as well as a all sensitive content that can incite violence against law enforcement personnel.
Across the board unilateral action however must be avoided at all cost by the Government/PEMRA. The outright closure of news channels regardless of their content and conduct will not be acceptable by PBA and this action must be reversed immediately. Action should be against those channels that violate the code of conduct as per the law. PBA has also condemned violence by the protesters against journalists including reporters, cameramen and technical staff. Burning of media vans and DSNGs is highly condemnable. DSNG vans of Samma, Abb Tak and GEO have been attacked and damaged as have reporters associated with GEO and Dunya been injured. PBA demands that Government take action against the culprits and provide security to the journalists and property of media houses performing their constitutional responsibilities".
Meanwhile, Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) has also expressed its deep concern over Pemrafs decision to suspend live broadcast of news TV channels.-PR
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