Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), welcome abolition of draconian clauses in the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) Ordinance, and termed it a step forward but repeated its demand that all "Black Laws," confronting freedom of expression should also be abolished.
The PFUJ in a statement said that the abolition of November 3, 2007 Pemra Ordinance is a step in the right direction. Abolishing powers such as revoke of TV license, raid on media offices, withdrawal of power to make violation of Pema law would enable the private TV channels and FM radio to work in a more relax atmosphere. There will be no ban on live coverage nor any TV channel will be off air now. "These are welcome steps and result of long struggle of PFUJ and the civil society. But more need to be done for abolishing all black laws confronting media," it said.
PFUJ launched the struggle against the amended ordinance on November 5, 2007 and the journalists took to the street against the black law and refused to compromise.
PFUJ also demanded withdrawal of all cases against journalists, pending in different courts particularly in Sindh, under Official Secret Act and Anti-Terrorism Act. There are over 85 to 90 such cases. However, PFUJ expressed its concern over "if and but," of the government when it comes to the implementation of the 7th Wage Award, which is law of the land and the government which claimed supremacy of the Parliament can not escape from its prime responsibility.
Despite reservations of certain legal experts that the Pemra Ordinance (Third Amendment), 2007 has already lapsed and there was no need for tabling the bill in the National Assembly, PFUJ believes that the government is committed to abolish the Pemra Ordinance-2002 and replaced it with a self regulatory body. PFUJ also demanded abolition of the Code of Conduct, agreed between the government and Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA), under which President is above criticism and the journalists or broadcasters could be declared guilty by the Pemra authority.
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