JournalismPakistan.com | Published July 24, 2023
Join our WhatsApp channel
Despite serious concerns from the sector, a media amendment bill that significantly expands Pakistan's existing media regulatory legislation was unanimously passed by the country's National Assembly on July 21. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), said the bill violated current labor laws for media workers and included definitions of disinformation and misinformation that are both concerning and dangerous.
Pakistan's Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Marriyum Aurangzeb, introduced the regulation bill in the national parliament, recommending adjustments to the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), initially introduced in 2002. The amendments modify nine existing provisions and add five new sections of the law. They incorporate new definitions for misinformation and disinformation and specify payment of media worker salaries by media companies within two months.
On July 22, Aurangzeb said that the PEMRA amendments were made to protect the rights of journalists, including digital media journalists, and represent journalist organizations. She also said the proposal was developed in consultation with several media stakeholders. But labor and human rights bodies, as well as IFJ's sole affiliate in Pakistan, PFUJ, flagged critical concerns with the legislation and criticized the non-inclusive nature of the industry consultations, which appeared to be determined along political lines. Key concerns were flagged over several provisions which potentially violate Pakistan's constitution.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) said the definition of 'disinformation' in the bill "strays into censorship territory and may allow powerful groups or individuals to stonewall journalists seeking both sides of a story." So too, while the bill introduces measures to protect and guarantee the payment of salaries for electronic media workers, the bill's proposed section 20A effectively gives statutory permission to media owners to delay the payment of wages. The bill stipulates payment of media workers within 60 days, double the period outlined in Pakistan's existing labor laws of 30 days.
The regulator will undergo structural and operational changes as part of the amendment, with the authority expanding to 13 members and the chairperson. Broadcasters and media workers' longstanding request was only partially fulfilled by including non-voting honorary members in the authority, including representatives from each Pakistani broadcaster but only one from the country's journalist federation, PFUJ, which has numerous factions.
PFUJ President GM Jamali and Secretary General Rana Mohammad Azeem said, "There are many points in the bill that could be used against journalists and will harm the freedom of expression enshrined in the country's constitution. PFUJ demands a complete service structure for the employees of the electronic media, not just ensuring timely payment of salaries."
The IFJ said: "While the IFJ acknowledges the aim of the PEMRA amendments, it is highly concerning that several provisions violate Pakistan's labour laws and have the potential for increased government censorship. Pakistan's minister for information and broadcasting has the utmost responsibility to ensure transparency and full consultation with all key media stakeholders. That has clearly not been the case. Legislation that doubles the time in which media workers should be paid does not protect their right to a timely and decent wage."
Photo credit: Aamir Qureshi / AFP
April 11, 2025: Sindhi journalist AD Shar was brutally murdered in Khairpur, Sindh. His body was found dumped on Handiyari Link Road. PFUJ has declared a three-day mourning period and demanded justice.
April 10, 2025: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir government has filed a case against The Daily Jammu & Kashmir and its staff for alleged fake news, drawing condemnation from PFUJ and IFJ, who demand immediate withdrawal of the FIR and an end to media repression in Pakistan.
April 08, 2025: Journalist Arzoo Kazmi alleges that Pakistan's state agencies, including the FIA, have blocked her CNIC, passport, and bank account while threatening her. She calls it a direct attack on journalism.
April 07, 2025: The Islamabad High Court has directed IG Islamabad to produce journalist Ahmad Noorani’s missing brothers, as the Ministry of Defence denies custody. SIM activity was traced in Bahawalpur, and investigations into their suspected abduction continue.
April 07, 2025: Journalist and Raftar founder Farhan Mallick has been granted bail by a Karachi court in a case concerning anti-state content aired on his YouTube channel. He still faces separate charges related to an alleged illegal call center and data theft.
April 03, 2025: Veteran journalist Ghulam Abbas Shah has joined Discover Pakistan Television as the Head of Programming. With 25 years of experience in leading news organizations, he looks forward to contributing to quality storytelling and content.
April 02, 2025: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has strongly condemned the visit of a group of Pakistani journalists to Israel, calling it a violation of journalistic ethics and a betrayal of press freedom and human rights. PFUJ demands a transparent investigation into the matter.
March 30, 2025: Dawn criticizes Pakistan’s plan to use TV dramas against extremism, highlighting financial and digital challenges. Can media alone solve deep-rooted issues?
April 03, 2025 The International Press Institute (IPI) and International Media Support (IMS) invite nominations for the 2025 World Press Freedom Hero and Free Media Pioneer Awards. Recognizing courageous journalists and innovative media, the awards will be presented at IPI’s 75th-anniversary World Congress in Vienna. Submit your nominations by April 30, 2025.
April 01, 2025 Photojournalist Suresh Rajak was burned alive while covering a violent protest in Kathmandu. The IFJ and its affiliates condemn the attack and call for an urgent investigation to hold the perpetrators accountable.
April 01, 2025 Assam Police arrested digital journalist Dilwar Hussain Mozumder for covering a protest against alleged corruption at Assam Co-Operative Bank. Media organizations have condemned the arrest, calling it an attack on press freedom.
March 29, 2025 A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to dismantle Voice of America (VOA), ruling that the move likely violated legal procedures. The decision protects over 1,200 journalists and media staff.
March 28, 2025 Turkey deports BBC journalist Mark Lowen over 'public order' threat and fines opposition TV channels covering Istanbul Mayor's arrest. Critics condemn crackdown on press freedom amid rising political tensions.