New media regulator on the cards

Minister says a legislation draft has been sent to stakeholders for input

ISLAMABAD : Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry on Thursday announced formation of a new media regulatory authority.

While briefing the senate standing committee, Chaudhry said a legislation draft prepared by the information ministry has been sent to stakeholders seeking their suggestions.

"The entire media will be regulated," he added.

Information Secretary Shafqat Jaleel said that advertisements will be aired on TV after the ministry’s approval. "Information ministry has formed a monitoring committee for the content of advertisements. This committee will check and approve the advertisement content before it is aired. "I came in the committee for the first time but won’t come now."

The three-member committee will be headed by the information minister.

During the meeting Senator Usman Kakar said those who made an advertisement purportedly humiliating the Pakhtuns should be identified and punished. However, he walked out after alleging that the committee did not take any action on his complaint. "

In response, Senator Faisal Javed said the information ministry is investigating the matter and will submit a report soon.

"Defamatory advertisements are being aired against the prime minister. The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) banned advertisements mocking the PM," he added. "Fake news was aired against interior minister Shehryar Khan and no action was taken against it."

Senator Anwarul Haq Kakar on the occasion questioned if PEMRA can shut down a channel for 10 minutes over this act. To which, Chairman PEMRA said they are not authorised to shut down a channel but can impose Rs1 million fine.

"We knows that PEMRA’s hands are tied due to no law in this regard," added Senator Rehman Malik. "We condemn airing of Imran Khan’s parody and Asif Zardari’s character assassination. We want anchors on TV channels, not judges. There should be legislation for those who insult politicians."

Barrister Saif suggested that whoever doesn’t comply with rules, should be questioned by the standing committee.

Before the meeting concluded, Information Minister Chaudhry said no one will be able to defame anyone according to the new law.