PBA condemns unilateral closure of news channels

Says action should only be taken against those channels the violate code of conduct

The Pakistan Broadcasters Association strongly 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,” the association said in a statement.

It further said that 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 court's 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 avoid all sensitive content that can incite violence against law enforcement personnel,” it added.

However they added that a unilateral action must be avoided at all cost by the government and 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,” it underscored.

PBA also strongly condemned violence by the protesters against journalists including reporters, camera men and technical staff.  Burning of media vans and DSNGs is highly condemnable.