Pemra prohibits live coverage of rallies, public gatherings in Islamabad today.

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) on Monday restricted live coverage of rallies and public gatherings across the federal capital on March 27, hours before PTI chairman Imran Khan was expected to appear before the Islamabad High Court.

According to a statement issued in early morning hours today, Pemra referred to a letter sent to the body by law enforcement agencies regarding the security situation in Islamabad.

It observed that satellite television channels run live footages/images of violent mobs, attacking on police and law enforcement agencies.

'Such footage or images were seen on TV without any editorial oversight during the recent standoff between political party workers and law enforcement agencies in Lahore and Islamabad wherein, the violent mob used petrol bombs, injuring armless (sic) policemen and blazing (sic) police vehicles.'

It added that the live telecast of such footage on different satellite TV channels 'created chaos and panic' among viewers and the police. 'Such activism by mob not only jeopardises law and order situation but also makes public properties and lives vulnerable', it cautioned.

Pemra said airing such content...