(IFJ/IFEX) – The following is an IFJ media release: Media bill a setback to press freedom in Pakistan, says IFJ The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today termed the passing of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority Amendment Bill (2004) (PEMRA) by the National Assembly on 16 May, a setback to freedom of expression in […]
(IFJ/IFEX) – The following is an IFJ media release:
Media bill a setback to press freedom in Pakistan, says IFJ
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today termed the passing of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority Amendment Bill (2004) (PEMRA) by the National Assembly on 16 May, a setback to freedom of expression in Pakistan.
“By passing the PEMRA, the National Assembly has set the stage for a tightened government grip over broadcast media,” said IFJ President Christopher Warren.
Warren also termed the so-called claim of lifting restrictions on cross-media licensing a sham. In fact, the PEMRA under Clause 27 can impose a ban on channels in the name of “national interest”, “national security”, “ideology of Pakistan” and “vulgarity” – all of which are subjective notions.
The PEMRA makes violation of the Bill a recognisable and compoundable offence, with sentences up to three years and heavy fines of ten million rupees (USD 168,000). Further, there are at least six to eight clauses which need debate among media organisations, before placing it for approval in the upper house.
“It is most regrettable that even the Standing Committee of the National Assembly passed the amendments without debate,” said Warren.
The intention to tighten control over the burgeoning electronic media is evident from the increased government representation on the PEMRA. The portents of this trend were evident in the recent government ban on the broadcast of BBC news on FM-103.
The IFJ, the global organisation representing 500,000 journalists worldwide, expressed its concern about the composition of the 13-member PEMRA, dominated by nominees of the President, with only token representation of other sectors. Important clauses like the three-member committee headed by a retired Supreme Court or High Court Judge to oversee the complaints, have been deleted.
PEMRA has been given complete power to grant exemption from any provisions which it deems fit. Previously, this provision was conditional and was based on certain criteria drawn up in conformity with the principle of equity as enshrined in the Constitution.
“All attempts to control the media and restrict the freedom of expression must be condemned in no uncertain terms,” said Warren.
The IFJ joins its affiliate the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) in urging the government to discuss the issue with representative media organisations, and reconsider the bill before submitting it to the Senate.
The IFJ represents more than 500,000 journalists in more than 110 countries.
