ISLAMABAD [Pakistan], Three separate petitions were filed in the Sindh, Lahore and Islamabad high courts challenging the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra)'s notification banning TV channels from news of court proceedings, Pakistan-based Geo News issued a notification. On May 21, PEMRA ordered all satellite new channel licensees not to show any content, including comments, opinions or suggestions regarding the possible fate of a pending case, that would adversely affect the decision by the court. From broadcasting tickers/headlines in connection with the court proceedings till the final order,” it said, adding that all satellite TV channel licensees were also ordered to ensure strict compliance with the PEMRA laws as per the Supreme Court judgment. I went. 28 of 2018 (reported as 2019 PLD SC 1) the media watchdog warned of legal action in case of any violation of the order, Geo News reported. The Association of Court Journalists filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court (IHC), the petitioner said that PEMRA has, through notification, imposed a complete ban on live reporting of statements in open court by various actors of the justice system: judges, .Lawyers, parties and witnesses “By stalling court proceedings without consulting the judiciary, Pemra is effectively attacking the independence of the judiciary, in addition to violating the public's right to access information and journalists' freedom of expression. The litigants have the right to a fair trial,” the plea further said, adding that the notifications, which sound like a death sentence for the profession of court journalism, have endangered the right to livelihood of the members of the petitioners' organizations The report said there is a violation of their rights under Article 18 of the Constitution and requested the IHC to suspend the 'operation' of the PEMRA. SHC) and the Sukkur bench of the Lahore High Court (LHC), GE News reported that the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has filed a petition in the SHC.In the petition, PFUJ has named the federal government, PEMRA and the Information Secretary as respondents. However, the PEMRA chairman and information secretary were named respondents in the petition registered in the Islamabad High Court. Earlier this month, media bodies had expressed concern over the state of independent media in Pakistan, especially during election days. The focus was on mainstream media and social media restrictions. Pakistan-based Dawn reported that the Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND) has committed to continue the constitutional and legal struggle for freedom of expression in Pakistan and to stand firm in the face of adverse circumstances. AEMEND said in a statement that journalists and media outlets in Pakistan face serious challenges, as state and non-state actors ban television programs, shut down broadcasts, and pressure for the dismissal of journalists. creating unnecessary pressure and making illegal demands, AEMEND said, adding: "Such tactics are on the rise." “Character assassination of journalists, especially women journalists, is part of this campaign, and political party workers are also part of such malicious campaigns,” Dawn reported.''It said these tactics are aimed at suppressing journalists and restricting freedom of expression. AEMEND said illegal restrictions on social media, sending notices to journalists and other institutions, shutting down mobile phones and internal services at critical occasions, targeted politicians and restricted coverage of non-government organizations. -Political activities and issuance of illegal notices by PEMRA are actions taken to deprive people of their right to information, which it insists is against the spirit of democratic societies, the International Federation o Journalists (IFJ) said in its South Asia Press Freedom reports that four journalists were murdered and that women journalists in Pakistan faced online and offline harassment.