ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s President, Dr Arif Alvi, has officially signed the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023, turning it into law, according to a statement issued by the President’s House. The bill, which has been approved under Article 75 of the Constitution, brings significant amendments aimed at improving media workers’ rights and media regulation in the country.
President Alvi Pledges Full Support to PEMRA Amendment Bill
Earlier, a delegation representing key media organizations, including the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA), Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), and Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND) called on President at the Aiwan-e-Sadr.
During the meeting, the President lauded the media community’s collective efforts in amending the PEMRA law, particularly in safeguarding the rights of media workers, said a press release issued from the President Secretariat Press Wing.
President Dr Arif Alvi said that PEMRA Amendment Bill 2023 will safeguard the rights of media workers and journalists.
President highlighted the importance of the PEMRA Amendment Bill linking government advertisements with the payment of dues to electronic media employees to address their concerns.
Emphasizing various aspects of the Amendment Bill, President said that the bill revisions brought improvements to the existing media law.
Moreover, he urged delegation members to take the initiative to educate the youth about fake news and misinformation and modern skills in journalism. He stressed that young individuals were among the most susceptible to the negative impacts of fake news and needed education about its implications.
The president also encouraged a stronger connection between senior journalists and academia, suggesting that they collaborate to guide and educate students about fake news and emerging developments in journalism. He stressed the importance of promoting diverse perspectives and open dialogue in society.
Acknowledging the evolving media landscape, particularly social media, the president called for responsible and constructive usage, underlining the media’s role in fostering ethical practices and educating the public.
The delegation comprised notable figures such as Afzal Butt, Arshad Ansari, Kazim Khan, Sarmad Ali, Shahab Zuberi, Naz Afreen Saigol, Shakeel Masud, Ijaz ul Haq, Azhar Abbas and Ayaz Khan.
Earlier, former information minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, speaking to media representatives, commended the media workers for their collective effort in shaping the amendment bill to align with democratic principles, basic human rights, and the Constitution. Aurangzeb highlighted the inclusion of Article 19 in the law, which solidifies the freedom of expression as a reality.
The former information minister emphasized that the legislation will ensure financial security for media workers by enforcing the payment of dues to journalists by media houses. Those outlets failing to pay dues for two consecutive months will not receive government advertisements.
Marriyum Aurangzeb also highlighted key changes brought about by the amended bill, including the transfer of powers from the Pemra chairman to the Council of Complaints and the inclusion of representatives from the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) in the council.
Aurangzeb praised the collaborative effort between media workers and media houses in shaping the bill, characterizing it as a significant milestone in advancing media rights.
President Alvi expressed his support for the Pemra bill, acknowledging its positive impact on media law and media workers’ rights. He emphasized the importance of linking government advertisements with the payment of dues to electronic media employees, addressing their concerns effectively.
