News Broadcasting
Pak channels go off air during crackdown on protesters
MUMBAI: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) just proved that it means what it says. Earlier today, it issued a directive to the country’s private news channels to abstain from telecasting live coverage of a crackdown operation in the country’s capital. Channels violating the order were suspended.
The directive stated that under the Electronic Media Code of 2015, live coverage of any security operation is prohibited. News channels were asked to exhibit utmost sensitivity in their telecast. “The clause permits airing of only those parts which is warranted by the security agency in charge of the operation, “ said PEMRA’s order.
Some reports suggest that the authority has temporarily placed a ban on channels in Islamabad. They also said the same could be done for social media channels such as Facebook and Twitter but, for now, channel like Geo TV, BOL Network, and Capital TV are showing the live coverage on their respective websites.
Media houses have been asked to ensure the safety of their employees and journalists and camera crew are permitted to only go up to designated points. Violations will be acted upon with strict action under PEMRA laws.
The Islamabad police launched a crackdown today on protestors camping in the Faizabad area since 8 November.
News Broadcasting
Parikshit Luthra exits CNBC-TV18 after 20-year run
Former bureau chief to take brief pause before next role
NEW DELHI: Senior journalist Parikshit Luthra has signed off from CNBC-TV18, marking 28 February 2026 as his final day and closing nearly two decades with Network18 Media & Investments Limited, including eight years at the business news channel.
During his tenure, Luthra interviewed prominent business leaders and Union ministers, reporting on economic policy, corporate strategy, the automobile sector and financial markets. His coverage spanned key inflection points in India’s economic narrative.
He also led new programming formats such as Newscentre, Global Eye and Global Lens, shows that examined politics and foreign policy through an economic prism, reflecting the channel’s push towards globally linked business reporting.
In a LinkedIn post, Luthra said his final weeks were spent covering the Union Budget, the India AI Summit, India’s trade agreements with the US and EU, and the group’s flagship Rising Bharat Summit 2026. He added that he continued anchoring until his last day and briefly met Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his closing assignments.
Luthra joined CNBC-TV18 in June 2018 as assistant editor, later rising to senior editor and chief of bureau, a position he held for over two years. Before that, he worked with Republic TV and CNN-News18.
He said he plans to take a short break before embarking on his next professional chapter.
