PPF News Flash – Update:Pakistan government decides to withdraw controversial amendments to electronic media laws
Pakistan’s President General Pervez Musharraf has said the government would withdraw the controversial amendments to the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) law that was enacted on June 4, 2007.
He announced the decision after meeting with a delegation of the Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) on June 9, 2007. The PBA informed the president that they would formulate a code of conduct for the electronic media within three days.
On June 7, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz had suspended implementation of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) (Amendment) Ordinance 2007.
Media organisations had demanded withdrawal of the amendments which they said were viewed as unacceptable and harsh, not only by journalists but by all citizens of the country.
The PEMRA Amendment Ordinance, 2007 gives the state new powers to seal the premises, confiscate equipment of broadcasters and suspend their licenses. It also increases maximum fines for violations of PEMRA laws tenfold.
Source: PPF
Date:6/11/2007
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