Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) welcomes revoking of PEMRA amendments
Pakistan Press Foundation welcomed announcement by Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani & the Information Minster Ms. Sherry Rehman of intention to revoke the draconian amendments made to Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Ordinance 2007 after imposition of emergency on November 3, 2007.
PPF also welcomed expanding scope of access to information and commitment for effective steps to improve journalists’ safety. State of media freedom in Pakistan deteriorated after suspension of Supreme Court Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry on 9 March 2007.
The government placed restrictions on media freedoms by amending laws relating to electronic, print media, giving government officials the authority to take unilateral action against media organizations suspending publication of a newspaper for up to thirty days and the authority to confiscate equipment of radio and television channels and to seal their premises for up to thirty days.
Owners and operators of radio and television channels who violate the amended electronic media laws can be punished by up to three years in jail and a fine of 10 million rupees (approx. US$164,000) or both. Cable operators found to be in violation of the ordinance can be punished by a jail term of one year and a fine of five million rupees (approx. US$82,000) or both.
Immediately after the imposition of the state of emergency the government machinery acted aggressively to curb freedom of expression in the country. Some of these actions include: suspension of broadcasts of all international and national private television news channels, as well as most national private sports and entertainment channels. Cable operators were directed to only distribute entertainment channels approved by the authorities. A large number of journalists covering or protesting against the imposition of the state of emergency were attacked, arrested and detained by law enforcement agencies.
PPF said after state of emergency government machinery acted aggressively to curb freedom of expression. Some actions include — suspending broadcasts of all international, national private TV news channels. Cable operators were directed to only distribute entertainment channels approved by authorities. A number of journalists covering or protesting against imposition of emergency were attacked, arrested or detained.
It is a matter of great relief that the new government committed to revoke amendments to PEMRA ordinance. However, even after the revocation of the amendments, PEMRA will remain a law that places unacceptable restrictions to freedom of expression.
PPF urged government to initiate a process of review of the PEMRA laws to make Authority independent regulatory mechanism focusing on promoting and developing the electronic media rather than implementing the whims of those in authority.
Pakistan is the only country in South Asia without clearly defined policy to promote the development of community radio. Although the existing legislation gives PEMRA the authority to issue licences for community radio stations so far, the government has not granted permission to any such stations.
All the major publications as well as television stations are based in large metropolitan cities of Pakistan and the rural population, which comprise almost two third of the population, are mere consumers of information tailored towards the urban audiences. Community radio stations can provide rural communities with the capacity to produce programmes, which represent their interests and concerns. Community radio has the capacity to promote community and national dialogue and discussion, which can lead to increased tolerance within the society.
The denial of broadcasting rights to communities has led the development of a militant and destructive pirate radio stations some parts of the country. Potential of community radio needs to be discussed so that policy can be formulated. “We urge government to initiate dialogue with all stakeholders to formulate policy that encourage the development of the community radio sector.”
On the law of access to information, the record of previous governments in providing access to information has been very poor. The law itself has many flaws that exempt government from providing information on a wide range of subjects. The access to information law needs to be reformed after a process of consultation with different stakeholders including journalists, media and civil society organisations. Laws, such as the Official Secrets Act that promote the culture of secrecy need to be repealed or drastically reformed.
PPF suggested as an interim measure, information requested under the ordinance is provided promptly and fully. the government needs to create awareness among its officials and devote necessary resources to handle access to information requests promptly. “We also urge to expand the scope of the access to information laws relating to provincial governments. We hope government will take effective and timely steps to change the mindset of state functionaries towards freedom of expression and access to information which is essential for an informed and empowered citizenry.”
Source: The Nation
Date:4/2/2008
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