JournalismPakistan.com | Published February 14, 2020
Join our WhatsApp channel
The Pakistan government has hammered through strict controls to digital content creators throughout 2020. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) have condemned the regulations and urged the authorities to revise the guidelines after consulting with journalists, media organizations and relevant stakeholders.
The proposed Consultation on Regulating the Web TV & Over the Top TV (OTT) Content Services was published on the PEMRA website on January 8 with a deadline for comments on the proposal due on February 14. The proposal seeks to regulate online content creators and imposes license fees of up to PKR 10,000,000 (USD 65,000). OTT content refers to content services accessible over the internet.
If passed, web TV services, producing content for entertainment, education, travel, sports purposes will be required to pay Rs5 million rupees to obtain a license. News, current affairs and OTT services will pay Rs10,000,000 (USD 65,000) or Rs 5,000,000 (USD 32,500) respectively for a license. Creators who earn money from content on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube will be required to obtain a license under the proposed regulation. Additionally, the regulation allows for the suspension of video media outlets should they violate PEMRA's code of conduct.
On January 28, Pakistan’s federal cabinet approved a separate piece of legislation without consulting media organizations. The approved Citizens Protection (Against Online Harm) Rules 2020 requires social media platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Tik Tok to establish offices in Pakistan. The bill empowers the national coordinator of the Ministry of Communications to fine social media companies up to Rs500,000,000 (USD 3,240,000) if a company refuses to comply with directions made by the national coordinator to remove content.
PFUJ strongly rejects the “PEMRA proposals to control the internet TV and social media and termed it tantamount to put another embargo on the freedom of speech and expression promised by the constitution for the people of Pakistan”.
“Social media should frame its own code of ethics to be implemented for positive use of the most popular social media, web TV and OTT”, PFUJ added.
The IFJ said: “The dual blow of PEMRA and Pakistan’s federal cabinet signifies a concerted attempt by the government to curtail freedom of expression. The lack of consultation over these changes with journalists and media organizations undermines the free press and the ability for media workers to carry out their jobs on a day-to-day basis. The IFJ urges the government to review the regulations in consultation with media organizations and relevant stakeholders to create an environment that will produce critical journalism and empower both workers and creators.”—IFJ media release
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.