The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) issued show-cause notices to four electronic news channels on Thursday, alleging violations of the election code of conduct.
The notices were prompted by complaints from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) regarding Geo News, ARY News, GNN, and Dawn News airing exclusive interviews with several political party leaders after the electioneering deadline.
PEMRA has granted the news channels’ management seven days to respond in a personal hearing, following which further action may be taken.
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Furthermore, directives were issued to satellite news channels to strictly adhere to the code of conduct outlined in the Elections Act 2017 to prevent disciplinary measures.
Meanwhile, the ECP is contemplating issuing notices to certain electronic channels for prematurely broadcasting partial election results before the prescribed deadline of 6 pm.
ECP sources informed Dawn that some channels began releasing results from various polling stations slightly ahead of the deadline.