PDM government withdraws controversial PEMRA Amendment Bill amid stakeholder opposition

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published August 07, 2023

ISLAMABAD—In a notable development, the departing PDM government announced on Monday its decision to retract the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023.

The National Assembly passed the bill on August 3, setting forth provisions related to registering and monitoring TV channel ratings and defining the parameters of disinformation and misinformation. The bill's withdrawal came after encountering objections from certain stakeholders who raised concerns about specific provisions within the proposed legislation, as reported by Dawn.

Opposition to the bill was firm among journalists, their associations, and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan. These groups feared the bill could favor presenting a single perspective on matters. Additionally, broadcasters raised questions regarding the government's role in overseeing ratings.

Prominent journalist Hamid Mir voiced his opinion on Twitter, stating that no journalist could support a bill granting the government sole authority to appoint the head of PEMRA while allowing media owners to delay salary payments from one month to two.

This reversal marks a significant turn of events as the PDM government heeds the concerns of stakeholders, ultimately leading to the withdrawal of the proposed amendments to the PEMRA ordinance.

Even a win can't hide Pakistan's structural collapse in cricket

 June 11, 2025:  Pakistan celebrated a narrow win over Bangladesh, but beneath the jubilation lies a deeper crisis—from sidelined veterans to a collapsing domestic structure—signaling an urgent need for cricket reform.

Journalists stage walkout at post-budget briefing over government's dismissive attitude

 June 11, 2025:  Journalists walked out of the post-budget press conference in Islamabad to protest the absence of a technical briefing and the government's dismissive behavior, calling it unacceptable and intolerable.

Legal storm brews as Dr. Nauman Niaz serves defamation notice on Shoaib Akhtar

 May 31, 2025:  Dr. Nauman Niaz has issued a defamation notice to Shoaib Akhtar over derogatory remarks made during a recent broadcast, reigniting a longstanding media feud between the two prominent figures in Pakistan.

HRCP urges complete repeal of PECA, citing threats to free speech and civil liberties

 May 30, 2025:  The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has demanded the full repeal of PECA, citing its vague language, coercive powers, and threats to free speech and digital rights in Pakistan.

PFUJ condemns murder of journalist Syed Mohammad Shah, urges immediate justice

 May 30, 2025:  The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned the murder of journalist Syed Mohammed Shah in Jacobabad, calling for urgent justice and improved safety for media professionals in Sindh.

State within a state? Police block reinstated Jang employees from resuming duties

 May 26, 2025:  In Rawalpindi, police allegedly side with Jang Group to block 66 reinstated employees from resuming work despite court orders, drawing sharp criticism from unions and press freedom advocates.

PFUJ slams Jang Group's 'economic massacre' after mass firing of over 80 workers

 May 25, 2025:  PFUJ condemns the Jang Group's decision to dismiss over 80 employees in Rawalpindi, calling it an 'economic massacre.' The union warns of nationwide protests if workers are not reinstated.

Labor rights trampled: Daily Jang defies court, terminates over 80 employees

 May 25, 2025:  Daily Jang Rawalpindi has terminated over 80 employees, including female staff, despite multiple court rulings in their favor—raising concerns over labor rights violations and misuse of authority in Pakistani media.