The National Assembly Standing Committee on Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage has directed the ministry to take measures to protect journalists and their families without dilly-dallying. The committee while discussing 'The Protection of Journalists Bill, 2014' directed the Information and Broadcasting Division to complete consultation with all the stakeholders including media organisations without further delay as the legislation has already been delayed in this regard.
The committee expressed concerns over vulnerability of media persons and their families. It observed that measures from the state level are imperative for safely and welfare of media persons. The committee was chaired by MNA Pir Muhammad Aslam Bodla. The committee deferred 'The PEMRA (Amendment) Bill, 2017' till its next meeting, providing members of the committee an opportunity to give their valuable input.
The committee expressed dissatisfaction over the performance of Press Council of Pakistan (PCP) and directed to exercise its powers provided under the PCP law to check violations by print media. The committee also sought details of suo motu actions initiated by the PCP against print media. The committee decided to hold another meeting regarding working and performance of the PCP.
The committee expressed displeasure over the PTV Engineering Department regarding non-competition of TV transmission boosters despite lapse of considerable time. The committee asked the secretary Information Division, who is currently holding the charge of managing director PTV, to inquire into the delay and identify the persons responsible for the inordinate delay causing loss to the national exchequer and submit his findings with the committee within one month.
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