The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), an organisation representing over 500,000 journalists worldwide, has expressed deep concern over the proposed Pakistan Electronic Media Regularity Authority (Pemra) Amendment Bill 2004. IFJ President Christopher Waren said, "The proposed amendments to the broadcasting laws tabled in the National Assembly are a serious encroachment on the freedom of expression and the citizens right to information."
Furthermore, the bill has been tabled when the government was already facing harsh criticism over violence against journalists in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi since mid-April, and most recently on May 3, World Press Freedom Day. The IFJ urged the Government of Pakistan not to pass Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority Amendment Bill 2004 without holding discussions with the media organisations in the country.
"It is a matter of immense concern that the Bill had already been passed by the National Assembly standing committee without much debate." In a gross violation of fundamental rights, the proposed amendments empower police to arrest any radio or TV broadcaster under the Pemra Ordinance without any warrant.
Waren said that the licensee right to a hearing has also been withdrawn. Moreover, the amendments do not distinguish between professional broadcasters and cable distributors, he added.
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