ECP issues 12-point code of conduct for media

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan on Tuesday issued the 12-point code of conduct for the print and electronic media, refraining them from broadcasting; telecasting or publishing election results on their own.
The commission issued the code under Article 218 (3) and Article 219 of the Constitution and the Punjab and Sindh Local Government (Conduct of Elections) Rules.It said that the media should broadcast, telecast and publish only authentic election results issued by the presiding officer, returning officer or the Election Commission of Pakistan.
The code said that wild allegations, statements, which might harm national solidarity or might create law and order situation shall be strictly avoided and the media shall avoid using language, which may incite violence on any aground: caste, race, sex, language or religion.
Neither any radio or TV channel shall broadcast or telecast nor any print media shall publish anything that adversely affects the public opinion against a particular party or candidate.
Similarly, the print and electronic media shall refrain from disseminating any information about a political party or candidate, which is not supported by cogent evidence. Due case shall also be exercised by them to ascertain veracity of any information or news relating to a candidate before its telecasting, broadcasting or publishing.
The code noted that any remarks about personal life of any candidate should be avoided in print and electronic media. All the political parties contesting the elections shall be provided balanced coverage on media during the election campaign.
It was emphasised that if a candidate makes an allegation against another candidate, the media as far as possible, shall seek comment from both sides before publishing, broadcasting or telecasting such allegation.
The Election Commission, through its code, made it clear the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority shall ensure the compliance of the code by each and every radio and television channel.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission has taken a serious notice of the incident of physical manhandling of returning officer Allah Ditta Warraich in Hafizabad by candidates Amanullah Sandhu, Manzoorul Hassan Chatta and Fazal Qadir, which tantamount to criminal act of sabotage the election and has directed the Chief Secretary and Inspector General of Police to take action against the culprits under the law and submit report to the Election Commission by 2:00 pm Wednesday.