ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on Wednesday issued guidelines in the wake of the recent Saudi-Iran row, advising media houses to deal with the matter ‘professionally’. A notification issued by the body advises all television channels to remain cautious while airing talk shows and analysis on the issue lest they harm Pakistan’s diplomatic relations with friendly countries. “We have noted regretfully that some talk show anchors and hosts have repeatedly used language and expressed views that not only hurt sentiments of people belonging to different sects but can also undermine the government of Pakistan’s efforts to defuse sectarian tensions. Media houses should ideally refrain from airing programs that can result in irreparable damage,” reads the notification. The authority ordered all television channels to follow guidelines issued by the body and avoid broadcasting ‘hateful’ views. Earlier, PEMRA had issued a show-cause notice to a private TV channel over airing an ‘unprofessional’ and ‘irresponsible’ program on the issue that hurt the sentiments of a sectarian group. A few TV programs were also muted to censor information by some media groups.