ISLAMABAD, Feb 16: The Pemra and the PBA have advised the media not to give coverage to election activities of parties and their candidates during a 36-hour period that commenced on Saturday midnight.

A handout also asked media outlets not to broadcast results without authentication by the Election Commission.

The statement said that under a code of conduct for the electronic media thrashed out by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) and the Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA), there was a “blackout period” for electioneering before the day of election.

“To ensure accuracy and authenticity, the broadcasters shall not disseminate any information and results until and unless the same has been publicised by the Election Commission.

“The declaration of progressive result of any constituency, authenticated by the presiding officer only, shall be announced.

Results based on any source other than the presiding officer, returning officer and the Election Commission are totally prohibited,” the handout said.

The statement also said that with the commencement of the 36-hour blackout period on Saturday midnight, television and radio networks must refrain from airing talk shows and other programmes featuring candidates or their parties.