LAHORE: Day after TV channels went off the air on the orders of Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on Saturday, the media watchdog on Sunday ordered the restoration of all news channels.
PEMRA, prior to this decision had directed news channels to ensure the safety of their staff while the tense situation across the country persisted.
A notification from Pemra announced on Sunday that all news and current affairs satellite TV channels have “immediately been restored”.
Read more: Faizabad crackdown: TV channels go off air on PEMRA orders
“All distribution networks have been directed to restore these channels to their original positions immediately,” the Pemra press release said.
Earlier, sources in the PEMRA told that the federal government could issue a policy directive to PEMRA under Section 5 of PEMRA Ordinance and the media watchdog is bound to follow it.
A statement issued later on Saturday advised TV channels to exhibit utmost sensitivity regarding the matter and refrain from live coverage.
The regulatory body had barred media from live coverage of the Islamabad Operation under Media Code of Conduct 2015.
Private news channels and certain social media remain suspended in Pakistan for a second day on Sunday as the Islamabad operation against agitators is underway.
