NA breaks records with hasty legislation

Lower house passes PEMRA amendment bill

ISLAMABAD:

As it continues its legislative spree, the government has passed a staggering 54 bills in just four days in an unprecedented display of hasty lawmaking ahead of elections.

The fast pace of the legislation, including those concerning media regulations and the establishment of universities, has set a new record in the country's parliamentary history.

Meanwhile, the National Assembly accomplished yet another feat on Wednesday during a whirlwind session which saw a total of 12 bills sailing through the house.

The government’s move to push through such legislation amid the rising election fervour has raised concerns from the opposition about the depth of scrutiny and consultation given to each bill.

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The National Assembly gave approval to two crucial pieces of legislation, namely the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023 and the Press Council of Pakistan (Amendment) Bill, 2023.

Moved by Minister for Information and Broadcasting Maryam Aurangzeb, the house passed the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023 along with amendments having the prime objective to benefit journalists and foster a free and responsible media environment.

Additionally, the minister introduced the Press Council of Pakistan (Amendment) Bill, 2023, advocating for the replacement of the term "Government" with the phrase "secretary of the division to which business of the council stands allocated" in section 8, in sub-section (1), in clause (xiii) of the Press Council of Pakistan Ordinance, 2002 (XCVII of 2002).

Both bills underwent a thorough examination by the Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting, and following the presentation of reports on them, they were presented for the third reading and subsequently gained the approval of the house.

These developments mark a significant stride towards enhancing the media landscape while upholding transparency and responsibility.

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The information minister moved amendments in the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023 which were passed by the House. She proposed an amendment in clause 2, after paragraph (iii), the following new paragraph (iv) shall be added, namely:- "(iv) after proposed clause (v), the following new clause shall be added namely (vi) ensure fair, transparent and independent rating to the broadcasters for their TV channels."

She also proposed that after clause 3, the following new clause 3A shall be added namely.-"3A. Amendment of Section 4, Ordinance XIII of 2002.- In the said Ordinance, in section 4, after sub-section (3), the following new sub-section shall be added, namely.- "(4) The authority by registering rating companies shall ensure that fair, transparent, and independent forums shall issue rating to the licensees''.

The minister suggested substituting clause 8 of the bill. In the said Ordinance in Section 20 " (a) in clause (e), the expression " and such content will be in addition to the preamble and the licensee will also submit an annual compliance report to the is the effect or as and when required by the Authority;" shall be added at the end; and (b) after clause (i), for the full stop, at the end, a semicolon shall be substituted and thereafter the following new clauses shall be added, namely:- (j) not air disinformation; (k) ensure that during a regular programme, a continuous break for advertising shall not exceed for five minutes and duration between two such successive breaks shall not be less than ten minutes; and (l) ensure that content of all channel available on electronic media, including logo and name, etc. shall not vary, alter, substitute, tempered on digital media or any other similar forum".

Another amendment moved by the minister was in clause 11. It suggests that in proposed section 26, after sub-section (11), the following new sub-section (12) shall be added, namely: (12) each council shall compile and submit the annual report of license regarding the compliance of Code of Conduct to the Authority".