The Senate on Wednesday passed a resolution urging the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to ensure the timely conduct of general elections across the country as mandated by Article 224 of the Constitution.
The resolution, presented by Senator Mushtaq Ahmad of the Jamaat-e-Islami party, also called upon all state institutions to provide their full assistance to the ECP in organizing the polls.
The Senate’s demand in the resolution is twofold: first, it urges the Election Commission to ensure the organization of polls within the specified time frame of Article 224; and second, it calls upon state institutions to extend all necessary support to the ECP to fulfill its constitutional obligations regarding the elections.
During the same Senate session, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) Amendment Bill, 2023 was also okayed.
This bill aims to streamline the processes for registering and monitoring television channel ratings, while also defining disinformation and misinformation.
The bill had faced opposition upon its initial presentation, prompting it to be sent to a standing committee of the Information and Broadcasting for further discussion.
The government had initially withdrawn the bill due to objections raised by stakeholders, including the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and journalists’ bodies. However, it was reintroduced by Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, who stated that amendments had been made, including granting the Parliament the authority to select the PEMRA chairman and revising the definitions of misinformation and disinformation.
Aurangzeb defended the bill against the criticism it faced, noting that it had been controversially labeled a “black law” by certain groups without thorough understanding. She expressed appreciation for the efforts of working journalists who highlighted the bill’s amendments over three days, acknowledging their contribution to the legislative process.
Consequently, the PEMRA Amendment Bill was passed by the Senate and subsequently cleared by the National Assembly.
