Pakistan Electronic Media and Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) directed all TV channels to avoid the release of unverified, false and baseless news items keeping in view the journalistic ethics.
The PEMRA expressed seriously concerned over an unverified news item on aired on August 11, by various TV news channels regarding the false death report of former test cricketer Muhammad Hanif, said a circular issued by the authority.
It added that the above news items caused annoyance for the family of former test cricketer and its relatives while the general public was also misguided.
The circular stated that such act of the news channels was unacceptable in every civilised society.
PEMRA advised all TV news, current affairs and TV channels to ensure the release of verified news items in accordance with code of ethics given by the Supreme Court.