On March 12, police issued a ban on media coverage outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, where former Prime Minister Imran Khan was meeting with party leaders and workers.

The ban, announced by Rawalpindi police, restricts journalists from gathering or covering events outside the jail premises.

After the conclusion of the meeting between the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)  , Imran Khan, and party leaders at Adiala Jail, journalists eagerly awaited the emergence of party leaders and officials to glean insights into the discussions held behind bars.

As PTI leaders and others exited the jail premises, journalists rushed to cover their speeches and media talks, eager to provide the public with updates on the meeting with Khan, who is currently serving a prison term.

Journalists met with obstacles as police had placed barriers outside the area designated for the parking of news channels’ vehicles opposite Gate No. 5 of the jail.

Security personnel informed journalists that there would be no media coverage permitted outside the jail premises that day, instructing media teams to stand at a distance of two kilometers from the jail.

The post Police Ban Media Coverage Outside Adiala Jail on Imran Khan’s Meeting Day first appeared on Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF).

In a directive issued on Thursday afternoon, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) directed all its licensees operating under the ‘news and current affairs’ and ‘regional language’ to exercise utmost care while reporting on the issue. It also directed the media organizations to avoid “telecasting/breaking any unsubstantiated news” on the recent developments between Pakistan and Iran.

The authority also suggested that “it would be appreciated” if the information received from any source could be verified/confirmed from the spokesperson of the Foreign Office and other relevant state institutions.

“The licensees are expected to present factual information and reports through their transmission and support the state narrative at this crucial time as and when released from the relevant institution,” the directive mentioned.

Furthermore, all the news and programming heads and their respective teams have been asked to verify each and every piece of information received on their desks or Whatsapp groups, and aired only after necessary fact-checking. PEMRA said that any false reporting may cause unrest and insecurity among the public.

It also warned that in case of violation of the above orders, the authority would be constrained to proceed under sections 26, 29-A and 30 of PEMRA Ordinance 2002 as amended by PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2023.

Source: Samaa TV

The post PEMRA issues instructions to TV channels for reporting on Pak-Iran conflict first appeared on Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF).

The National Assembly on Wednesday approved the major legislation – the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Press Council of Pakistan (Amendment) Bill, 2023 – marking a significant stride towards enhancing the media landscape and upholding transparency and responsibility.

Moved by Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb, the House passed the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023 along with amendments with the prime objective to benefit journalists and foster a free and responsible media environment.

The minister also introduced the Press Council of Pakistan (Amendment) Bill, 2023, advocating for the replacement of the term “Government” with the phrase “secretary of the division to which business of the Council stands allocated” in section 8, in sub-section (1), in clause (xiii) of the Press Council of Pakistan Ordinance, 2002 (XCVII of 2002).

The two bills underwent a thorough examination by the Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting and its reports were presented in the House. After their third reading, the bills were subsequently passed by the legislators.

In the PEMRA bill, the minister proposed an amendment in clause 2, after paragraph (iii), the following new paragraph (iv) shall be added, namely:- “(iv) after proposed clause (v), the following new clause shall be added namely (vi) ensure fair, transparent and independent rating to the broadcasters for their TV channels.”

She also proposed that after clause 3, the following new clause 3A shall be added namely.-“3A. Amendment of Section 4, Ordinance XIII of 2002.- In the said Ordinance, in section 4, after sub-section (3), the following new sub-section shall be added, namely.- “(4) The Authority by registering rating companies shall ensure that fair, transparent, and independent forums shall issue rating to the licensees”.

Marriyum suggested to substitute clause 8 of the bill as reporting by the standing committee by following: ” 8. Amendment of Section 20, Ordinance XIII of 2002.- In the said Ordinance in Section 20 ” (a) in clause (e), the expression ” and such content will be in addition to preamble and the licensee will also submit an annual compliance report to the is effect or as and when required by the Authority;” shall be added at the end; and (b) after clause (i), for the full stop, at the end, a semi colon shall be substituted and thereafter the following new clauses shall be added, namely:- (j) not air disinformation; (k) ensure that during a regular programme a continuous break for advertising shall not exceed for five minutes and duration between two such successive breaks shall not be less than ten minutes; and (l) ensure that content of all channel available on electronic media, including logo and name, etc. shall not vary, alter, substitute, tempered on digital media or any other similar forum”.

Another amendment moved by the minister was in clause 11. It suggests that in proposed section 26, after sub-section (11), the following new sub-section (12) shall be added, namely: (12) Each Council shall compile and submit the annual report of license regarding the compliance of Code of Conduct to the Authority”.

Source: Daily Times

The post National Assembly passes amended PEMRA and Press Council bills first appeared on Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF).

KARACHI: Pakistan has been ranked third in the world over the imposition of internet restrictions in the first half of 2023.

According to a report by Surfshark, a virtual private network company headquartered in Lithuania, a half-year analysis of internet shutdown based on the Internet Shutdown Tracker reveals that Pakistan was responsible for three of the 42 new restrictions worldwide, which were imposed following the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan on May 9.

At the time, access to Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube was restricted in the country, while several temporary cellular network disruptions were also witnessed across the country for several days afterward.

The Surfshark report ranks Pakistan behind Iran and India as the countries leading the list of regimes that imposed internet restrictions during the first half of 2023. With Asia being the focal point of most internet shutdowns.

Iran and India dominate the tally for most shutdowns in the first half of 2023, says a report by Surfshark

Iran witnessed the most internet disruptions at this time, with 14 cases in total, all of which occurred in Zahedan during Friday protests over the Zahedan massacre.

Source: Dawn

The post Pakistan ranked third in the world for imposing internet restrictions first appeared on Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF).

ISLAMABAD—In a concerning trend for press freedom advocates, censorship in Pakistani media continues to raise alarms as incidents of muted speech and blurred images come to light.

The latest incident involved Dunya News Television muting the mention of a prominent analyst’s reference to the Vigo Pickup, often attributed to intelligence agencies concerning abductions and kidnappings.

Simultaneously, ARY News faced criticism for blurring an image of PTI Chairman Imran Khan during his meeting with an IMF representative earlier this week.

These incidents have fueled debates about the state of censorship and shrinking press freedoms in Pakistan.

During the program “Think Tank” on Sunday, Ayaz Amir, a well-known analyst, provided commentary on the current political affairs in Pakistan when the mute function was briefly activated, silencing his reference to the Vigo Pickup.

The censorship of such a mention has drawn attention to the limitations imposed on free speech and critical analysis within the media landscape.

In a separate incident, ARY News blurred a photograph of Imran Khan as he met with an International Monetary Fund (IMF) representative. The channel faced backlash on social media platforms, with many expressing concerns over the implications of such censorship on transparency and the public’s right to access unbiased information.

Critics argue that blurring the image of a political figure during a crucial meeting raises questions about the media’s independence and its role in holding those in power accountable.

The growing censorship and limitations on press freedom have become a cause for worry among journalists, human rights activists, and advocates for democracy. They argue that such acts undermine the democratic principles of free speech and the public’s information rights.

Source: Journalism Pakistan

The post Dunya News mutes analyst Ayaz Amir’s mention of Vigo Pickup first appeared on Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF).

The Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (Amend) has expressed serious concern over the “undeclared press censorship” as well as the disappearance of journalists and “increasing pressure” being mounted through “unwarranted interference of government and state institutions” in the working of the Pakistani media.

An emergency session of Amends’ executive committee was held to discuss the challenges being faced by the media, especially the country’s television channels, the association said in a statement.

The committee members deplored the level of censorship being imposed by the government and other state institutions.

“Pressure is being exerted on media to restrict the public’s right to truth and to present a one-sided reflection of events. In such circumstances, independent and unbiased reporting to present the people with facts is being curtailed,” the statement said.

Also read Press freedom ‘under attack’ in every corner of the globe, UN says

Amend demanded that Imran Riaz Khan and other missing journalists be proceeded against as per the law, which includes their right to legal defence, if they have committed a crime.

“It is extremely disturbing that these individuals were picked up and no state agency is taking ownership of these incidents. Prime Minister of Pakistan (Shehbaz Sharif) must take notice of the disappearance of these journalists and take action so they may be traced as soon as possible.”

The committee members resolved that despite all the “strong-arming and pressure tactics”, they would not remain silent spectators and instead take practical steps, including consultations with other journalist bodies, for which permission was explicitly granted in the meeting.

The body decided to write to PM Shehbaz, political parties’ leaders, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) chairman, the federal government, the INter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), and human rights and international journalists’ organisations to apprise them of the situation.

Source: The Express Tribune

The post AMEND concerned over ‘undeclared press censorship’ in Pakistan first appeared on Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF).

When citizens are particularly in need of staying updated or contacting others, shutting off access to mobile data services and social media platforms is likely to create challenges in terms of public safety, spreading fear and panic. The authorities must ensure that access to information is not restricted. PPF urges the PTA to reverse its decision and immediately lift the ban on mobile internet services.

As per press reports, a spokesperson for the telecommunication authority confirmed that after the former premier’s arrest, videos of protests were circulated on social media, after which the mobile internet services were blocked.   The report added that the PTA spokesperson did not confirm reports of social media platforms being blocked.

However, social media users experienced difficulties in accessing various websites, including Twitter and YouTube. Such closures act as a hindrance to the flow of information. Social media platforms are a vital source of news dissemination and information gathering. By cutting off access to these platforms, the public is left in the dark about key developments, particularly when political sentiments are running high, and protests are taking place.

On May 10, the PTA said that internet services across Pakistan would remain suspended for an “indefinite period,” Geo reported.

Such actions are a danger to public safety and a blatant attack on the public’s right to free expression and access to information. It is necessary for the telecommunication authority to not only unblock services but also provide clarity on the nature of the block and why it was put in place.  PPF urges the PTA to reverse and ensure complete access to social media websites and broadband mobile services.

The post Pakistan Press Foundation expresses concern about blocking mobile internet services during political uncertainty following former prime minister Imran Khan’s arrest; social media access is also restricted. first appeared on Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF).

Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on Friday decided to grant FM-Radio licences for merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), aimed at providing the latest transmission services there.

The decision was taken in a meeting, presided over by PEMRA Chairman Muhammad Saleem Baig, which reviewed the annual performance of the authority’s senior officers, a news release said.

Senior Director Generals, Director Generals and senior officers of all regional offices of PEMRA attended the meeting.

The meeting also finalized a policy for cable licensing in under-served areas and Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) policy.

Apart from this, the meeting deliberated on various issues while evaluating the performance related to the collection of revenue and a committee for revision of the tariff of cable TV.

The PEMRA Chairman got a detailed briefing on day-to-day affairs and recovery and emphasized on implementation of PEMRA laws in letter and spirit.

“Indian transmission should be strictly prohibited as the content viewed on them is harmful to our religious and social values and for the economy of Pakistan,” he said instructing Regional Directors to ensure a ‘zero tolerance’ policy in that regard.

Saleem Baig urged all the officers to do their best for improving the image and prestige of the authority.

The chairman asked the officers to ensure the implementation of PEMRA laws, stressing strong ‘communication and consultation’ with all stakeholders for the development of the media industry in Pakistan.

Source: APP

The post PEMRA to grant FM-Radio licences for KP’s merged districts first appeared on Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF).

ISLAMABAD—Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has issued a show-cause notice to the head of Dunya News over airing indecent and abusive remarks by the Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Shahbaz Gill against parliamentarian Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani during the program ‘On Front with Kamran Shahid’ without any editorial control or utilizing time-delay mechanism.

According to the notice shared by Dr. Vankwani on his Twitter handler, the conduct of program anchor Kamran Shahid was not up to the mark as he did not intervene to pacify its participants.

“…airing of such remarks raises serious concerns on performance of channel’s editorial policy and gatekeeping tools being adopted/practiced,” it stated, emphasizing that such act was “in sheer violation of Section 20 of PEMRA Ordinance 2002 as (Amendment) Act, 2007 as well as the orders of the Supreme Court of Pakistan in Suo Moto Case No. 28 of 2018, duly communicated to Satellite TV Channel on various occasions.”

PEMRA asked the chief executive officer of National Communication Services (SMC-Pvt.) Ltd. (Dunya News) to explain in writing within ten days as to why legal action should not be initiated.

The regulator further directed the Dunya News CEO to appear (in person or through an authorized representative) for a hearing on March 28 at PEMRA Headquarters, Islamabad, and a written reply.

“In case of non-compliance, ex-parte legal action shall be taken against the licensee in accordance with relevant provisions of PEMRA laws,” it warned.

Gill used highly abusive language during the program aired Friday.

Source: Dunya News

LAHORE: On the concern shown by the Lahore Development Authority (LDA), the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) has banned the advertisement of unapproved, under process and illegal housing schemes located in Lahore district.

In a notification issued on February 25, Pemra asked all broadcast and print media and distribution service operators not to entertain advertisements from illegal housing schemes, disclosed sources on Tuesday.

The notification stated that LDA had approached the Authority with their concern about the advertisement of unapproved, under process and illegal housing schemes/land subdivisions without obtaining proper ‘NOC of advertisement’ from them.

Moreover, the LDA pointed out that sponsors, developers, property agents and advertising agencies are also not mentioning the details (mortgaged plots, blocks, total residential and commercial plots, NOC diary numbers, etc.) through the electronic, print and social media platforms and thus they are deceiving the public. Through deceptive advertisements, they are enticing people to purchase plots in illegal private housing schemes.

Hence, the source said, Pemra has taken steps to maintain a proper check on the illegal advertisement and other such fraudulent practices, and subsequently to protect the interest of the general public. It has asked all broadcast and print media and distribution service operators to ensure that all the sponsors or developers of housing schemes present the NOC for advertisement with the release of any advertisement for any channel of electronic media, newspapers, media houses and any other mode of advertisement.

“All the sponsors are bound to present the NOC number in their advertisement as per directions of the Lahore High Court,” the sources said. Moreover, the sources added, it has made a QR-Code mandatory for any future advertisement to be linked with the official website of LDA; this will enable a buyer to scan the QR-Code and check the details of a housing scheme.

Pemra also asked the broadcast and print media, and distribution service operators to ensure that sure that all the publicity material and advertisements meet the criteria for publicity as described in para (3) of Rule-45 of the LDA Private Housing Schemes Rules 20l4.

Source: Business Recorder