ECP issues code of conduct for media

After the political parties, the Election Commission of Pakistan issued a code of conduct for the national and international media.

According to a statement issued by the ECP, no material against the integrity of the country and the independence of the judiciary would be published or released.

“The international media have also been instructed to follow the instructions and submit the visa on time.”

The statement added, “Statements aimed at harming national unity and disrupting public order will not be published during the election campaign. Newspapers as well as digital and social media will also be bound by it.”

It said, “Personal attacks, including religion, race, gender and caste will be avoided. Legal action will be taken on any such complaint.”

During the election campaign, the ECP said, the media should avoid any material that “disturbs the law and order situation on the polling day”.

The media should not be part of a government-sponsored political campaign, the ECP said, adding that the media should contact it to verify allegations of one candidate against the other.

The media was also barred by the ECP from reporting the results for an hour after the polling ended.