Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority blocks TV coverage amid protests

Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) blocked private television news channels, hours after police and paramilitary forces launched a crackdown on protesters in Faiz-E-Abad, Islamabad. ‘Under the Electronic Media Code of Conduct, 2015, the live coverage of any security operation is prohibited. TV channels are advised to exhibit utmost sensitivity regarding the matter and refrain from live coverage,’ PEMRA said. Following the order from PEMRA, there were also reports on social media access via web browsers being blocked on the same day. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority said that social media will remain blocked until law and order were restored and the situation was under control.