On Thursday, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) issued a directive to all satellite TV channel licensees, emphasizing the need for “utmost care” in reporting on the “tensions between Pakistan and Iran.”
In a letter addressed to licensees operating in the categories of “news & current affairs and regional languages,” PEMRA instructed them to refrain from broadcasting or breaking any unsubstantiated news related to recent developments between Pakistan and Iran.
The regulatory authority urged licensees to verify information from relevant institutions before airing it and stressed the importance of presenting factual reports that align with the state narrative during this critical time. PEMRA emphasized that all news and programming heads, as well as their respective teams, should exercise caution and verify information received on their desks or via Whatsapp groups. They should only air content after necessary fact-checking to prevent false reporting that could lead to public unrest and insecurity.
PEMRA issued a warning, stating that in case of any observed violation reported through complaints, the authority would be compelled to take action under Section 26, 29-A, and 30 of the PEMRA Ordinance 2002, as amended by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act-2023.
Iranian Websites Share Footage of Aftermath Following Pakistani Strike
Meanwhile, a recently disclosed Iranian website has unveiled footage depicting the aftermath of the strikes executed by Pakistani forces in Saravan, located in the Sistan-o-Baluchistan province, on Thursday morning.
The videos showcase a gathering of individuals around a substantial crater, assumed to be the impact site of the missile strike. Interestingly, there is minimal evidence of building debris in the area.
Another video captures billowing smoke rising from a distance.
Pakistan has officially acknowledged the use of a diverse array of weapons, including killer drones, rockets, loitering munitions, and stand-off weapons in the operation. The Inter-Services Public Relations has stated that the targets were ‘hideouts’ utilized by the Balochistan Liberation Army and Balochistan Liberation Front. However, specific details regarding casualties and visuals have not been released by Pakistani authorities.
