ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) on Friday announced a ban on shows dramatising crimes such as rape, murder, robberies and suicide.

Addressing a press conference, Pemra chairman Absar Alam said that the authority has decided to ban such shows which re-enact crimes like murders and suicide, and those that raid places in the name of investigative journalism from the next month.

Absar Alam further said that Pemra is forming a code of conduct for investigative journalism and will "not allow anyone to breach someone's privacy".

"None will be allowed to name rape or suicide victims, family members of rape victims will not be named nor a channel will be allowed to run their interviews," said the Pemra chairman.

Related: Re-enactment of crime stories challenged

A notification issued by the authority in this regard states that viewers have repeatedly complained about such shows while law enforcement agencies agree that airing of such shows not only entices the youth towards crime but several criminals have confessed learning new crime tactics through these shows.

Pemra notification regarding ban on crime re-enactment shows─ Pemra Facebook page
Pemra notification regarding ban on crime re-enactment shows─ Pemra Facebook page

"Standing committees of Senate and have recommended the authority to ban crime re-enactment shows. Lahore High Court, during the hearing of a petition, ordered banning such programs and Punjab Assembly passed a resolution calling for a complete ban on such shows," reads the notification.

The notification further says that Pemra has empowered its chairman to cancel the license of any TV channel defying the ban.

About investigative journalism, it says that the authority is forming a code of conduct and rules and regulations are being formed, which will soon be issued to the channels.

Most of the local news channels feature crime re-enactment programs which dramatise criminal activities for viewers.

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...