The Senate standing committee on information and broadcasting has unanimously approved a bill aimed at taking steps to ensure special persons’ access to the media.
Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, who moved “The Access of Media (Deaf and Dumb) Persons Bill, 2022”, gave a detailed briefing to the committee chaired by Senator Faisal Javed on Wednesday.
Mandviwalla said the word “dumb” had been removed from the bill as some committee members had expressed reservations in that regard.
He pointed out the growing sense of alienation among the special persons who could not watch dramas and listen to the news on television channels.
The senator sought the support of the information ministry and Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) for implementing the bill once it becomes a law after approval from relevant forums.
The information secretary and PEMRA chairman did not express any reservations over the bill and vowed full support for its implementation.
Meanwhile, the Director General Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) briefed the panel about the issue raised by Senator Irfan ul Haque Siddiqui regarding cutting down of trees within the premises of Radio Pakistan, Rawalpindi.
He presented the report on the matter which was rejected by Senator Irfan who urged the committee to inquire into the cutting down of trees.
The Senator asked the DG PBC to share the complete details including market value, kinds and number of trees which were cut down within the premises of Radio Pakistan, Rawalpindi.
Senator Javed summoned the officials of Environmental Protection Agency and relevant departments of Punjab in the next meeting so that the matter could be looked into.
The committee was also briefed over the actions taken against some journalists and anchorpersons.
The chairman took exception to the matter and directed the departments concerned for implementing the law for journalists’ protection in letter and spirit.
He also directed the information ministry to submit details of advertisements given to the electronic and print media in the tenures of different governments.
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