The Election Commission of Pakistan has issued 17-points code of conduct for national media.

By M.Ilyas

Islamabad – The Election Commission of Pakistan has issued 17-points code of conduct for national media. National media includes print, electronic, digital and social media influencers.

During the election campaign, the national media will not broadcast any news against Pakistan’s ideas, sovereignty and security.

The national media shall not reflect biased opinions against the independence and integrity of the judiciary and other national institutions

Such statements or accusations that threaten national unity, law and order situation will not be aired.

No content shall be included which is a personal attack on any candidate, political party on the basis of religion, community. Violation will be subject to legal action.

Allegations of one candidate against the other shall be stated and confirmed by both parties.

PEMRA, PTA, PID, Cyber ​​Digital Wing of Ministry of Information will monitor the coverage given to political parties and candidates.

Candidates and political parties will give details of payment within 10 days of polling day.

PEMRA, PTA, PID, Cyber ​​Digital Wing of Ministry of Information will assist the Election Commission to implement the Code of Conduct.

Government and law enforcement agencies will provide protection to media representatives and households.

No campaign of any political party or candidate will be run from the national treasury, voter awareness programs will be run.

48 hours before the election day, the election media campaign will be terminated, the election process will not be obstructed.

Entrance-exit polls, polling station or polling in the constituency which affects the voter will be avoided.

Only accredited media representatives will enter the polling station once with a camera to video the polling process.

Video recording of secret ballots will not be allowed, media representatives will observe the counting without cameras.

Media representatives will not interfere before, during or after the election.The result will not be broadcast until one hour after the end of polling.

While publishing the results it will be mentioned that these are unofficial, incomplete results which are not considered final until declared by the RO.

The accreditation of a journalist or media organization can be terminated for violating the code of conduct.