A Senate panel on Friday raised concerns over the alleged censorship of PTI founder Imran Khan's speeches in parliament, with lawmakers raising concerns over PEMRA's selective actions against TV channels and journalists accused of spreading "disinformation".
Some lawmakers argued that the issue of media coverageparticularly Imran Khan's silenced speechesshould be a key point of discussion in ongoing negotiations between the government and PTI.
The lawmakers in the Standing Committee of the Senate on Information and Broadcasting called for comprehensive media reforms. Raising concerns, lawmakers peppered Secretary Information and Broadcasting Ambreen Jan with questions.
However, PEMRA clarified that no channel has been banned from mentioning Imran Khan's name.
The media watchdog officials insisted that, as a regulatory authority, they have not imposed any bans. "Someone has to own up to it," they said, urging that channels be summoned and informed about who is responsible for the imposed restrictions.
Senator Ali Zafar demanded action against those responsible for censoring opposition speeches. While Ambreen Jan admitted she could take disciplinary action as MD, she clarified that she could not terminate employees.
Senator Aon Abbas countered that evidence would be provided to identify those involved, and they must face consequences.
Committee chairman Syed Ali Zafar shared videos from his phone showing his own speeches being censored in the Senate.
Senator Aon Abbas asked why only opposition speeches were being censored, to which the secretary of information replied that they were being cut for technical reasons.
However, Aon Abbas questioned why these technical issues only seem to affect opposition speeches and not those of government members.
Disinformation
Director-General Operations Muhammad Tahir briefed the committee on PEMRA's performance, the evolving legislative framework and ongoing challenges.
During his briefing, he said concerted attempts were made to specifically incorporate issues of misinformation and disinformation into PEMRA laws amended in 2023.
The legislation now defines disinformation as broadcasting content against someone with malicious intent or personal gain without seeking the other party's perspective.
He said that PEMRA received 124 complaints regarding misinformation and disinformation in 2023, with 45 still pending. Actions included temporarily suspending channel networks for false reporting.
At this, Senator Aon Abbas questioned whether PEMRA had ever acted against misinformation from government authorities. He said that claims of government-reduced inflation could also qualify as disinformation.
Muhammad Tahir clarified that complaints backed by evidence could be submitted to the complaints council for review.
Addressing the issues of journalists' grievances, Tahir shared that PEMRA, established under the PEMRA Act 2002, initially provided licenses to private television channels but did not address issues related to employees' salaries and dues.
However, the law has since been amended, enabling PEMRA to take legal action against TV channels failing to pay their employees' salaries or arrears.
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