PEMRA statement: Freedom of expression should not harm state institutions
The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) resolved on Monday that freedom of expression should not be allowed to harm state institutions.
The authority decided that ensuring freedom of expression is the foremost obligation of a regulator but nowhere is it allowed to harm state institutions and its functionaries in the garb of freedom of expression and speech, according to a statement issued on Tuesday.
During a meeting, headed by Acting Pemra Chairman Dr Abdul Jabbar, Pemra also urged its licencees to realise their responsibility and exercise self-regulation in the larger national interest.
The meeting also resolved to implement laws related to electronic media, including unconfirmed news, projection of terrorists and discussion on matters related to judiciary and armed forces.
During the meeting, the authority also approved the cancellation of four non-operative FM radio licences of Busy Bee Pvt Ltd.
As per PEMRA law and terms and conditions of FM radio licences, it was mandatory for the company to start operations within a year from the date of issuance of the licence; however, the company had failed to do so.
Moreover, a fine of Rs0.5 million was imposed on Airwaves Media (Pvt) Ltd for an unauthorised change in management.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 14th, 2012.
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This is only & only possible if PEMRA and other Govt Sychophants clearly understand the difference between institutions and individuals.
infact PEMRA wants to say "freedom of expression should not harm state corruption"
Its fair, agree with it.
This is truly absurd. Criticism and critique makes ideas stronger and grow. One of the foundations of democracy. An institution needs to possess the substance to take the negative and refute it or turn it into positive. Reinforces my opinion that Pakistan is turning into a dangerously oppressive state.
very good, this should be done
The reason democracy has never taken root in Pakistan is that we lack Liberty. We lack even the understanding of the concept of liberty. No amount of free speech can harm a person or an institution that carries itself honestly and lawfully. In fact, our citizens and our media should always be looking for faults in our politicians, laws and institutions, its only by identifying whats wrong and why that we can make it better. The ability to tolerate speech that we may find distasteful and to bear it with dignity is the mark of a developed nation. We will never advance until we reach the point where we can simply say "thats just your opinion" and move on. If whats being said is an out and out lie, there are legal remedies, slander and libel laws. But hey, thats just my opinion