PBA criticizes government for exerting financial pressure on media houses

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published 3 years ago

ISLAMABAD—The Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) has criticized the government for "controlling editorial content, freedom of speech and depriving the citizens of Pakistan of their right to know."

The PBA, in a statement, slammed the PTI government for exerting financial pressures on media organizations and creating hurdles in the way of execution of their professional duties.

Notably, the steps taken by the government included an advertising ban, issuing a series of show-cause notices through the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to numerous TV channels, according to PBA.

According to the PBA, the government has banned official spokespersons from appearing on specific channels.

PBA pointed out that other actions taken by the current government include imposing illegitimate claims amounting to billions of rupees on the channels under the illegal pretext of Gross Annual Revenue (GAR) dues.