ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has reminded all media outlets not to cover Valentine’s Day.
PEMRA, in a directive issued on Wednesday, reminded the media of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) ruling on Feb. 13 last year in response to a petition submitted by Addul Waheed, a private citizen, who requested a ban on the celebration of Valentine’s Day and media coverage of it.
“Respondents are directed to ensure that nothing about the celebration of Valentine Day’s and its promotion (appears in) the electronic and print media (and) no event shall be held at at official level and in a public place,” the directive said.
Mohammed Tahir, PEMRA general manager of operations, said in the directive that “the above mentioned order of the Islamabad High Court is still in place.”
“Therefore, all broadcast media and distribution services licensees are advised to desist from promoting Valentine’s Day through their respective channels/ networks.”
Valentine’s Day is celebrated every year on Feb. 14 across the world to show affection for romantic loved ones. Before last year the Pakistani media used to plan special coverage for the day.
PEMRA reminds media of ban on Valentine’s Day coverage
PEMRA reminds media of ban on Valentine’s Day coverage
Pakistan, Afghanistan border clashes kill 5, officials say
- Afghanistan and Pakistan trade blame for “unprovoked firing” along Chaman-Spin Boldak border
- Exchange takes place nearly a week after a fresh round of peace talks between neighbors failed
KABUL: Pakistan and Afghanistan exchanged heavy fire along their border late on Friday, officials from both countries said, killing at least five people amid heightened tensions following failed peace talks last weekend.
Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said Pakistani forces launched attacks in the Spin Boldak district of Kandahar province.
His deputy Hamdullah Fitra told Reuters that shelling by Pakistan killed five people, including a Taliban member.
A spokesman for Pakistan’s prime minister said Afghan forces carried out “unprovoked firing” along the Chaman border.
“Pakistan remains fully alert and committed to ensuring its territorial integrity and the safety of our citizens,” spokesman Mosharraf Zaidi said in a statement.
The exchange came nearly a week after a new round of peace talks between the South Asian neighbors ended without a breakthrough, although both sides agreed to continue their fragile ceasefire.
The talks in Saudi Arabia last weekend were the latest in a series of meetings hosted by Qatar, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia to cool tensions following deadly border clashes in October.
At the heart of the dispute, Islamabad says Afghan-based militants have carried out recent attacks in Pakistan, including suicide bombings involving Afghan nationals. Kabul denied the charge, saying it could not be held responsible for security inside Pakistan.
Dozens were killed in October’s clashes, the worst violence on the border since the Taliban took power in Afghanistan in 2021.
