Islamabad: The Media Joint Action Committee (JAC) thanked President Dr. Arif Alvi for signing the PEMRA Amendment Bill 2023 on Thursday, according to Geo News.
According to a President’s House news release, President Alvi signed the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023 on August 15.
The Media Joint Action Committee, representing the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND), All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), and Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA), thanked President Alvi for his understanding of these amendments.
The amendments define “Fake News,” ensure timely payment for electronic media workers, appoint the PEMRA Chairman through Parliament rather than the government, and partially address longstanding electronic media demands by rationalising licence terms.
As the committee stated, “We view the passage of the bill positively and consider it a step in the right direction”. It noted that the current bill is a step towards freedom of expression and an unfettered media, but more needs to be done.
According to the President’s House news release, the bill authorised under Article 75 of the Constitution and now law.
President Alvi told media workers and journalists that the PEMRA law improves media legislation before signing it.
President Alvi also praised the media community’s collaboration on PEMRA law reforms to protect media employees’ rights.
He noted that linking government ads to electronic media workers’ dues will help address their worries. He also highlighted the amendment bill’s media law improvements to the visiting delegation.
The Bill
The federal government withdrew the law owing to journalist association concerns, but both houses of parliament approved it last week.
The Senate first heard the bill from then-Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb. All stakeholders’ input used to alter it at the National Assembly.
The measure requires a legislative committee to nominate the Pemra chairman, with the Ministry of Information suggesting five nominees.
Four National Assembly and two Senate members will represent the treasury and opposition benches equally.
Suppose the legislative committee cannot agree on the appointment in 30 days. If so, the communications ministry panel will suggest a name to the prime minister, who will subsequently recommend it to the president.
The new law also replaces “salary” with “dues” for media personnel. Media houses that contravene wage laws could be fined Rs10 million.
The bill was withdrawn owing to journalist concerns.
