New Delhi sources stated that Pakistan's official TV watchdog has ordered that television channels can only invited retired army officers who have been approved by the Pakistan Army as analysts for chat shows and discussions. Meanwhile in a notification circulating on social media, Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) announced that all channels will have to 'strictly' comply with the instructions.
Furthermore after giving the rationale for the decision, PEMRA wrote that 'concerned quarters' have observed that retired military officers are frequently labeled as 'defense analysts' and invited to give their views on 'matters of national security and related affairs'. The letter from PEMRA dated April 4 as “Such invitees are usually not fully conversant abreast with the latest Defense and Security developments due to their service background and post retirement time”.
Moreover the letter said that 'Retired Army Forces Officers may only be invited as Defense Analyst for discussion on military matters with prior clearance from ISPR'. Apparently Inter-Services Public Relations is the Pakistan military's media wing. PEMRA ordered “If a retired military officer has to opine on subjects other than security matters, than they should be described only as 'Analyst'. But ISPR's approval is still required before inviting a retired army office as an 'Analyst.
