Responding to journalists’ protests, Marriyum Aurangzeb, the Minister for Information and Broadcasting, announced the retraction of the PEMRA Amendment Bill 2023 on Monday. The announcement came during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Information. The minister highlighted the government’s intention to eliminate the ‘black laws’ of PEMRA and expressed respect for the concerns voiced by the journalist community regarding certain sections of the bill.
Commitment to Freedom of Expression and Transparency
Aurangzeb emphasised that the PML-N holds freedom of expression in high regard, and there will be no compromise on the constitutional rights of the public. She noted that the bill was developed with input from stakeholders while in opposition. The minister previously moved amendments to the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023, in the National Assembly, which were subsequently approved. The amendments aimed to ensure “fair, transparent and independent rating to the broadcasters for their TV channels,” among other objectives.
The Bill
An amendment to clause 2 has been suggested to guarantee a fair, transparent, and independent system for rating broadcasters’ TV channels.
An additional amendment to Section 4 has been proposed where a new sub-section following sub-section (3) would require the Authority to register rating companies, ensuring that unbiased, clear, and independent forums provide ratings to the licensees.
Furthermore, the Minister recommended replacing clause 8 of the bill to be reported by the standing committee. This refers to “8. Amendment of Section 20, Ordinance XIII of 2002”, where, in clause (e), it is stated that “and such content will be in addition to the preamble and the licensee will also submit an annual compliance report to this effect or as and when demanded by the Authority;” is to be incorporated.
