The pros and cons of the PEMRA Amendment Bill 2023

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published July 23, 2023

ISLAMABAD—Dawn newspaper has said the recently approved Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) Amendment Bill 2023 appears to strike the right balance between filtering out lies and libelous content and ensuring press freedom, but there is room for improvement.

"There was initially some confusion about the government's intentions regarding the amendments, but closer scrutiny has clarified several matters," the paper said in an editorial—New Pemra law—on Sunday.

"The clause calling for paying media workers' salaries within two months should be welcomed. Though ideally there should be no delay in the disbursement of salaries, at least the law sets limits, while workers can complain to the regulator in case of delayed dues."

The editorial said the definitions of misinformation and disinformation in the bill "align more closely with international norms, and are an improvement on the state's obsession with 'fake news', a blanket term through which the authorities could clamp down on all dissenting opinions".

It welcomed the inclusion of a representative each of the PFUJ and Pakistan Broadcasters' Association as non-voting members of PEMRA but added they should be granted voting rights.

However, the editorial also highlighted problematic sections, such as Clause 27. "Under this, broadcast or distribution of a programme can be prohibited, and the matter then referred to a Council of Complaints. Instead of prohibiting content, it should be referred to the council first so that the matter can be investigated, while some parts of the clause appear overly broad."

Meanwhile, The News termed the bill a mixed bag. In an editorial on Sunday—Amending Pemra—the paper said the amended bill has tried to "take on the monster that is 'disinformation' and fake news – an issue that has now become a hydra-headed challenge to journalism in a post-truth world."

The paper said it was good to see that the law has tried to address the issue of misinformation and disinformation. However, the editorial cautioned against using the law to "silence the media."

On the other hand, prominent journalist Hamid Mir said the amendments would be used to silence any dissent during the general elections.

In the proposed amended bill,  nine clauses, 2, 6, 8, 11, 13, 24, 26, 27, and 29, had been amended, whereas five new ones, 20, 20-A, 29A, 30B, and 39A, have been introduced.

In a tweet, Mir said the proposed amendment bill violates the Supreme Court verdict and is an effort to suppress any opposition to rigging in the general elections. He said journalists have no other option but to oppose these amendments.

"This is a censorship on media," he said in a television talk show hosted by Maria Memon. He said the main objection is on the clauses which try to define disinformation and misinformation. "When the journalists protection bill was being discussed (during the PTI government), we opposed the section 6, which we termed as censorship clause. We got it removed from the bill."

Mir said at that time that Marriyum Aurangzeb and journalists opposed section 6. "Now she has included the same clause in the amended bill."
He said the proposed amendment bill did not define what is misinformation and what is disinformation. He termed it a blackmailing tactic. "I think it is a prepoll rigging. It is also a contempt of court."

Coordinated or coincidence? Identical tweets by Pakistani journalists raise eyebrows

 April 23, 2025:  Pakistani journalists respond in unison to a post hinting at a possible Indian military strike. Citing the 2019 ‘Swift Retort,’ they warn of a stronger response if provoked again.

Sher Afzal Marwat launches personal attacks on journalists after PTI expulsion

 April 21, 2025:  After being expelled from PTI, MNA Sher Afzal Marwat launches personal attacks on journalists and Aleema Khan, sparking outrage on social media over his offensive remarks.

Journalist Sanaullah Khan alleges FIA blocking accounts of YouTubers and families

 April 21, 2025:  Journalist Sanaullah Khan reveals that the FIA has launched a financial crackdown on YouTubers by freezing the bank accounts of journalists and their family members—raising serious concerns over freedom of expression and legal process.

A launch in style: Dr. Nauman Niaz unveils 'In A Different Realm'

 April 20, 2025:  Dr. Nauman Niaz launched his fifteenth book, In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple and Triple Centuries 1876–2025, at an elegant Islamabad event, reflecting on cricket’s rarest feats and his journey as a scholar of the game.

Sindhi journalist AD Shar brutally murdered, PFUJ declares three-day mourning

 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.

AJK government registers case against newspaper and staff

 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.

Journalist Arzoo Kazmi alleges FIA threats, possible arrest over reporting

 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.

Noorani’s missing brothers: Court orders IG to produce individuals

 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.