More curbs on media in the offing

JournalismPakistan.com | Published 4 years ago

ISLAMABAD—The government is about to launch a new law by combining all media regulators for regulating the media.

Reports say the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), and Press Council of Pakistan (PCP) will be merged. The new regulatory body is likely to be named Pakistan Media Development Authority.

The law will require registration of all websites and for news websites to obtain registration certificates. These will need periodic renewals. Media tribunals are also reportedly proposed.

A leading media analyst, familiar with the development, termed it a 'media martial law.'

Explore Further

Media bodies condemn ad ban on Dawn TV and radio

December 13, 2025: Pakistani media bodies have condemned the government’s unannounced ban on advertisements to Dawn Media Group’s TV and radio outlets, calling it an attack on press freedom.

RT India deletes video of Shahbaz Sharif waiting to meet Putin

December 13, 2025: RT India deletes a viral video showing Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif allegedly waiting for Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling it a misrepresentation of events.

Dawn struggle deepens as closures raise fears for its future

December 11, 2025: Dawn Media Group faces escalating closures, financial pressure, and political retaliation, raising urgent questions about the future of independent journalism in Pakistan.

Journalists urge courts to quash warrants against Imaan Mazari, husband

December 10, 2025: Veteran journalists and rights activists raise alarm over non-bailable warrants against Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha, calling the NCIA case agenda-driven and a threat to free speech.

Rs524m in ads, empty newsrooms: Balochistan’s media paradox

December 10, 2025: Balochistan Assembly documents show over Rs524 million spent on government advertisements for Quetta-based newspapers in one year, raising questions about reach, oversight, and media sustainability.

Pakistan Railways details journalist and senior citizen concessions

December 09, 2025: Pakistan Railways briefed lawmakers on fare concessions for journalists, their families, and senior citizens, outlining costs and usage across the past five years.

PEMRA refers Aaj News episode to Council of Complaints

December 09, 2025: PEMRA has referred an Aaj News program to the Council of Complaints over alleged violations of the Electronic Media Code of Conduct following unverified political claims aired on November 18.

DawnNews.tv closure raises concerns over media job security in Pakistan

December 09, 2025: DawnNews.tv’s shutdown and related layoffs have intensified concerns about media worker rights and job security in Pakistan as unions urge the government to uphold labor protections.

Newsroom

Washington Post AI podcast sparks accuracy concerns

December 13, 2025 Washington Post launches an AI-personalized podcast that permits user customization but faces staff and industry criticism over accuracy mistakes and journalistic integrity in early rollout.

Pope warns Italian intelligence against smearing journalists

December 13, 2025 Pope Francis warns Italian intelligence to avoid smearing journalists and respect confidentiality, amid concerns over spyware, leaks, and surveillance targeting reporters and rights defenders.

Trial of Meydan TV journalists opens in Baku

December 13, 2025 Trial proceedings against Meydan TV journalists have opened in Baku, raising concerns among press freedom groups about pressure on independent and foreign-funded media outlets.

China charges journalist Du Bin under public order offense

December 13, 2025 China has formally charged veteran journalist and documentary maker Du Bin with picking quarrels and provoking trouble, a public order offense critics say is used to silence media.

Deepfakes fuel spread of health misinformation online

December 13, 2025 Deepfake videos impersonating doctors are spreading health misinformation online, raising urgent concerns for public health, social media platforms, and newsroom verification efforts.