Pakistan

Will try improving Pemra's working environment: Absar Alam

The newly-appointed chairman will take charge on December 1

Our Correspondent November 12, 2015

File photo of journalist Absar Alam. PHOTO: Twitter/@AbsarAalam

ISLAMABAD: The newly notified chairman of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) Absar Alam, with a vision to improve the working environment of the media watchdog, is all set to take charge on December 1.

The Establishment Division had issued on Wednesday the notification of his appointment.

“I’ll try my best to improve the working environment of Pemra,” said Absar Alam, while talking to The Express Tribune. “I will perform my duties as per law and Constitution.

Absar Alam appointed as Pemra chairman

“I’ll take all the concerned onboard while dealing with Pemra affairs,” he added.

Last week, President Mamnoon Hussain, approved the summary of Alam's appointment as chairman Pemra on the recommendation of the prime minister.

In-line with the Supreme Court’s order in August, the federal government started the recruitment process to appoint the head of the regulatory authority, and had constituted a committee under the chairmanship of Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid.

The committee conducted interviews of 32 candidates for the post on September 29 and 30, and had shortlisted a few names including Alam.

COMMENTS (7)

Owais Khan | 8 years ago | Reply Why has this news item been edited? I read it yesterday along with a few friends, and there was a very clear mention of Absar Alam's ties with PMLN. It talked about his friendship with Defence Minister Khwaja Asif as well. The editing of this article isn't just sad but also alarming. If news items about the Chairman himself cannot be published without censorship, we can very well see how his induction in PEMRA will effect the news agenda on TV. Absar Alam was the only journalist in running and I had originally felt that his induction as the chairman would be different from others. IT appears that the difference is going to be completely negative if he cannot even take facts about himself without restoring to censorship.

Aamir - Toronto | 8 years ago | Reply Corruption and Nepotism at its peak, thank you Nawaz Sheri !!!!