The government on Friday introduced a bill in the National Assembly, amending the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) Ordinance, 2002, to abolish the much-criticised media curbs enforced by previous government last year.
After introduction of the bill, Information Minister Sherry Rehman, addressing media persons, termed it a moment of great joy "as this milestone has been achieved following relentless struggle by media and political parties".
She said, "The laws were draconian, for which the Prime Minister in his first policy statement on the floor of the house on March 29 had pledged to dismantle restrictions on media, and announced the repeal of the amendments made in the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) Ordinance 2002.
Through this revolutionary change, the government and media will be at ease in interaction with each other. "To achieve this Information Ministry will continuously seek and incorporate suggestions from journalists' representative bodies like Federal Union of Journalists and their local organs", she added. She said that the main thrust of the bill would be on controlling violence against media men, giving them space to work in a free environment.
She said that section 27 of Pemra Ordinance says anybody involved in dissemination of information against government would be punished. This is being repealed. The amendment on November 3, 2008 had increased the fine of Rs 1 million to Rs 10 million for a licensee who contravened the provision of Pemra law, and has been given reasonable opportunity to show cause. However, the Rs 10 million fine is being reversed to Rs 1 million.
Pemra was empowered to revoke the licence on violation by the licensee. This is also being withdrawn. Through November 3 amendment, the Authority Chairman was empowered to seize equipment or seal the premises of the licensee, and also close down network of licensee in a situation of emergency. This is also being withdrawn.
In the amended Ordinance, by adding sub-section (2) in section 31, live coverage of violence and conflict was prohibited. This sub-section is also being withdrawn. Moreover, signal blockage will never happen again. Offences under Pemra laws were made cognisable and compoundable. This is being withdrawn.
When asked that the laws are being repealed taking president into confidence as these were carved by his administration, she said, "I don't see any reason for anybody to be annoyed on the return of democratic government. This is the first step; we have to go a long way." When a journalist sought his comments on the Code of Conduct, she said that new code of conduct would be introduced soon.
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