|
19
May 2005
The
International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today
termed the passing of the Pakistan Electronic Media
Regulatory Authority Amendment Bill (2004) (PEMRA)
by the National Assembly on 16 May, a setback to
freedom of expression in Pakistan.
"By
passing the PEMRA, the National Assembly has set
the stage for a tightened government grip over
broadcast media," said IFJ President Christopher
Warren.
Warren
also termed the so-called claim of lifting restrictions
on cross-media licensing a sham. In fact, the
PEMRA under Clause 27 can impose a ban on channels
in the name of "national interest",
"national security", "ideology
of Pakistan" and "vulgarity" —
all of which are subjective notions.
The
PEMRA makes violation of the Bill a recognisable
and compoundable offence, with sentences up to
three years and heavy fines of ten million rupees
(USD 168,000). Further, there are at least six
to eight clauses which need debate among media
organisations, before placing it for approval
in the upper house.
"It
is most regrettable that even the Standing Committee
of the National Assembly passed the amendments
without debate," said Warren.
The
intention to tighten control over the burgeoning
electronic media is evident from the increased
government representation on the PEMRA. The portents
of this trend were evident in the recent government
ban on the broadcast of BBC news on FM-103.
The IFJ, the global organisation representing
500,000 journalists worldwide, expressed its concern
about the composition of the 13-member PEMRA,
dominated by nominees of the President, with only
token representation of other sectors. Important
clauses like the three-member committee headed
by a retired Supreme Court or High Court Judge
to oversee the complaints, have been deleted.
PEMRA
has been given complete power to grant exemption
from any provisions which it deems fit. Previously,
this provision was conditional and was based on
certain criteria drawn up in conformity with the
principle of equity as enshrined in the Constitution.
"All
attempts to control the media and restrict the
freedom of expression must be condemned in no
uncertain terms," said Warren.
The
IFJ joins its affiliate the Pakistan Federal Union
of Journalists (PFUJ) in urging the government
to discuss the issue with representative media
organisations, and reconsider the bill before
submitting it to the Senate.
Back
to Press releases
|
