President Dr. Arif Alvi on Tuesday gave his approval to the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023 under Article 75 of the Constitution.
The official announcement was made through a press release from the President’s House.
The President House, in another press release, shared the details of President Arif Alvi’s meeting with journalist community in which he gave assurance to them for his support for the bill.
A delegation representing various prominent media bodies, including the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), All Pakistan Newspapers Society, Pakistan Broadcasters Association, Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors, and Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors was called on the President.
According to news release, the President acknowledged the media community’s concerted efforts to introduce amendments to the Pemra law, with a special focus on safeguarding the rights of media workers.
During this meeting, he underlined the importance of linking government advertisements to the payment of dues owed to electronic media employees, viewing it as a step towards resolving their concerns.
Delving into the specifics of the bill, the President engaged in comprehensive discussions with the visiting delegation.
He praised the bill’s contributions in enhancing the existing media law.
Notably, he also called upon the delegation members to take an active role in educating young individuals about the perils of fake news and disinformation.
The President expressed concern about the susceptibility of teenagers to the pitfalls of fake news and emphasized the need for their education and awareness.
He suggested that the media, particularly seasoned journalists, should collaborate more closely with academic institutions to mentor and educate students about the evolving landscape of journalism.
Emphasizing the importance of diversity of thought and opinions, the President underscored the significance of fostering dialogue within society and encouraging the free exchange of ideas.
He articulated that with the rise of new media formats, notably social media, it is incumbent upon the media to educate the public about ethical and responsible use.
The visiting delegation shared insights into various provisions of the new bill, highlighting its potential benefits for journalists and media employees. The delegation expressed gratitude to the President for his unwavering support and his interest in addressing the media community’s challenges.
The bill, which seeks to streamline procedures for registering and monitoring TV channel ratings while also refining the definitions of disinformation and misinformation, was initially introduced in the National Assembly on July 20 and successfully passed on August 2.
It is noteworthy that the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and journalist organizations had raised concerns about potential misuse of the law, which they feared might empower influential groups or individuals to obstruct journalists in their pursuit of balanced reporting.
Ultimately, after some last-minute revisions, the Shehbaz Sharif-led government managed to secure the bill’s passage from both houses of Parliament on the final day of their tenure, August 9. The journey of the bill saw some contentious moments, with debates and opposition in certain quarters. Nonetheless, supporters, including journalists, media workers, and their representative bodies, rallied for the bill’s approval.
