In a major development less than 48 hours before polls, the appearance of political personalities and advertisement of political parties in relation to February 18 elections have been banned from Saturday midnight by Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra).
In a late night directive, received by satellite TV channels, FM radio stations, cable operators and distributors, the Pemra said, "In view thereof the advertisements pertaining to the political campaigning and talk shows and other programmes attended by politicians or their online interviews shall, therefore, be banned from 0000 tonight on electronic media." The Pemra directive is an addendum to the Code of Conduct for election coverage on electronic media.