Complaint against the media? Here’s where to go

KARACHI: Any member of the public who has a complaint against the media can now approach the newly established Council of Complaints of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra).

The council held its inaugural meeting on Saturday. It was formed by the Federal Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, under section 26 of the Pemra Ordinance 2002. The council comprises Sheema Kirmani, its chairperson, and Talat Hussain, Nadeem Farooq Paracha, Jam Saqi and Dr Syed Ali Farhan Razi as members. Pemra is represented by its Regional General Manager Sindh and AGM COC Ashfaq Ahmed Jumani.

The council wants people to know that they can register their complaints about any broadcaster or CTV operator violating Pemra rules and regulations. The public has a right to better content which should encompass the basic functions of media in informing, educating and entertaining people. The council is concerned about foreign content and excessive advertisements which need to be limited according to the terms and conditions of a license.

Published in the Express Tribune, May 16th, 2010.