Peaceful protest in a democratic society is a fundamental right, but if it turns into vandalism it undermines the very fundamental rights that a society must protect at all costs. The mob attack on the Jang/Geo Karachi office on Sunday, with staff threatened and attacked, is yet another sign of increasing intolerance in Pakistan. Though media organizations have reacted sharply to condemn this incident, and the authorities have also taken notice, such attacks increasingly threaten the lives and properties of media professionals. The protesters could have staged a peaceful demonstration and even handed over a complaint to the concerned staff regarding any grievances they had, but the path they chose just cannot be justified. This is not a proper way of venting your anger if you feel hurt.

If authorities fail to arrest those who are responsible for such attacks, the tendency grows into a widespread disease and encourages recurrence of such incidents. We have seen inquiries in the past too, but without proper follow-up the inquiry gets lost or gathers dust. To pre-empt such incidents in future, it is imperative that a comprehensive strategy be chalked out by the authorities to protect media offices and professionals. The groups which gave a call for the protests should have asked their members to remain peaceful and not get violent. When they converged on the vicinity of the Jang/Geo offices, the authorities should have cordoned off the area to prevent the protesters from barging into the offices. Ultimately, the responsibility of protecting the media lies with the government and state institutions. Violent incidents such as this one must stop so that the media in Pakistan can work independently and objectively. The management of Geo had already apologized for the controversial remark that hurt some feelings and triggered the anger. Such remarks do not reflect the policy of a media house, and after the apology the matter should have been settled. The media in this country – both electronic and print – is already under pressure from various quarters. Civil society and political forces must come to the rescue of fundamental rights, and freedom of expression is perhaps the most important one. As such, the police too must be more vigilant and ensure attacks of this kind cannot take place in the future with such impunity.

Newspaper: The News (Editorial)

There is little doubt that the media in Pakistan is besieged today as it is getting battered by different elements that range from the authorities to the economy.

Supreme Court Justice Faez Isa is not known to mince his words on transgressions of the rule of law and the Constitution. He remarked during a hearing on Thursday that there appeared to be a move to silence the media.

He lamented that “we are now living in a controlled media state” where all points of view, other than the one that powerful elements of the power structure are comfortable with, were not welcomed.

The judge asked if the country’s future was being determined by parliament or, what he called, insidious forces. Justice Faez Isa’s remarks came during the hearing of a suo motu case in the Supreme Court on the Faizabad dharna during the final days of the last government.

The two-member bench, headed by Justice Mushir Alam, expressed shock and dismay that TV news channels were taken off air on someone’s orders by cable operators, and took to task the regulator Pemra for not lifting a finger to ensure the free distribution of news channels on cable networks.

The bench was also displeased by the role of the ISI and demanded that the court be briefed about the exact mandate and role of the all-powerful security service. The court came down hard on the attorney general of Pakistan for not appearing before the court in this matter of import, despite a clear commitment.Many of us know that while the court is a robust backer of freedoms, there are powerful forces determined to make Pakistan a ‘uni-narrative’ state.

All who believe in the freedom of the media would take heart from the remarks of the honourable court. Still, many of us would also know that while the court will be a robust backer of freedoms, there are very powerful forces determined to make Pakistan a ‘uni-narrative’ state.

It is not a very well-kept secret how the media was beaten into submission in the run-up to the elections by agencies, and told in no uncertain terms what was acceptable and what was not. Notwithstanding the odd case of heroic defiance, much of the media content reflected the self-censorship that was enforced on the fourth estate.

Of course, the PTI strategy to blame the slowdown of the economy mostly on the policies of its predecessors — and not even a bit on its own scare-mongering tactics — may have been designed to demonise the PML-N, but it began to cut both ways.

As concerns mounted about the state of the economy, it has also bitten the media, with commercial advertisers holding back their ad spends. This, coupled with the present setup’s refusal to honour the payment for ads the last government placed in the media but did not pay for, has exacerbated the crisis.

Even then, it would be outright dishonest to say that cutbacks and job losses in the media are due to a legitimate market-based financial crunch alone. Many of the senior figures who have lost their jobs/ programmes, for example in TV channels, have often expressed their support for civilian supremacy.

There is no denying that there is a legitimate financial squeeze too, but in many of the decisions it seems more factors are at play than what Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry chooses solely to blame on the ‘financial crunch’.

It does not take rocket science to ascertain the actual situation. Look at the legislative record of the PTI, and the party’s performance in its first 100 days in power, and you will see very few draft laws and regulations presented to parliament or even placed in the public domain for discussion.

But one of the first drafts prepared (almost as if it was handed over to the PTI on assuming office) and floated with the pledge of taking all stakeholders on board was the draft law to club together all media regulatory bodies into one.

The move received a negative reaction from the stakeholders in media, especially working journalists and editors who have viewed it as an insidious attempt to shackle the media via stealth in the shape of regulatory reform.

More recent statements by the information minister, who is seen as close to both the prime minister and other powerful state institutions, have been about also tightening the screws on social media which, after large sections of the traditional media were muzzled, had become a source of information for the public.

As a social media user, I would be the last person to say that the platforms do not lay themselves open to exploitation by purveyors of manufactured news and even propaganda, but this is definitely not to say that such people have an overwhelming presence on it. Far from it.

Even where there is such content, there are ways and means to rubbish it and spell out what the facts are. But it is clear that such use does not scare the authorities.

What unnerves them, it appears, is the use of social media — as, for instance, in the aftermath of Naqibullah Mehsud’s extrajudicial murder and the initial botched investigation which created a rights movement largely via social media. Even then, why the fear? It is not as if justice has been meted out to the perpetrators seen as assets by the state.

At this stage, the PTI might be supporting the muzzling of the media to remain on the ‘same page’ with powerful state institutions, but if Prime Minister Imran Khan desires to drive meaningful change he will need more authority than, say, Shaukat Aziz had while in office. Here the media will prove a solid ally in the long run. One really hopes and wishes he has the vision to see that.

Dawn

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry has said the government while disbanding Pemra has decided to establish Pakistan Media Regulatory Authority, which will simultaneously regulate electronic and print media as well as social media.

“In Pakistan, media enjoys freedom and is effective too as it can be compared with that of any developed country,” said the information minister while addressing a conference on ‘National Security, Nation-building and Mass Media’ organised by the Pakistan Institute of Conflict and Security Studies on Thursday.

“Under the current media regulatory regime, there is a lot of pressure on the Pakistani media and it is possible that in the coming years the media might have to face even bigger challenges,” said Fawad. “With the arrival of globalisation and artificial intelligence, along with various industries the media industry will also be affected.“As a result the media industry could further shrink.”He warned that the structure of print media could change and thousands more could be rendered jobless.

“We have to make policies keeping in mind the global trend and have to move towards international regulations,” said the federal minister. “This is a world of competition … we have to improve our culture, films and dramas otherwise they will be finished.”

He said it was the first time that the government was going to build Pakistan Media University. “It is our effort that our media policy be in line with the current era where even professionals will be mesmerised by the fields of innovation and technology at the media university,” said Fawad. “The prime minister [Imran Khan] is optimistic regarding the latest technology.”

Later addressing the media, the information minister said, “We welcome the decision of the Indian cabinet to open the Kartarpur border.

The suggestion to open the border was given by the chief of army staff to former cricketer and Indian parliament member Navjot Singh Sidhu during his visit to Pakistan.He said the Sikh community would benefit the most from opening of the Kartarpur crossing.

“The 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak is being celebrated and Kartarpur is his birth place,” said Fawad. “Pakistan talks about peace in the region. Pakistan wants peace with both India and Afghanistan due to which it gave the suggestion.”

The Express Tribune 

Related Stories 

The News: Govt intends to regulate social media, says Fawad

Dawn: Govt intends to regulate social media, say ministers

Business Recorder: Government wants to regulate social media: minister

The Nation: Government for regulating social media: Fawad

ISLAMABAD: National Press Club (NPC) was live with sentiments of love and respect for pride of journalism in Pakistan, Hussain Naqi. Senior and junior mediapersons clapped, embraced and adored him with shower of rose petals on his arrival. Naqi was the chief guest at the NPC in the reception organised by the Club as well as Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists.

Amidst thunderous applause and slogans of “Zinda hein sahafi zinda hein,” Hussain Naqi said that rendering sacrifices is a tradition of Pakistani journalists. He called for unity in trade unions in media industry.

He said that he had gone to the medical commission of Punjab after reading relevant laws. He reminded retired Justice Amir Raza of his old anecdote on which he lost temper. He said that we do not like the media to behave like it did in the turbulent year of 1971. He said that media owners have enough money to sustain the pressure and struggle jointly with journalists to win media freedom again.

Nasir Zaidi who braced lashes during Zia dictatorship said that Naqi is a commander of pen pushers and holder of flag of freedom of expression when censorship is in its peak in the history of Pakistan. He said that we will campaign and struggle for the rights to say and one day, the media will be independent in Pakistan.

Veteran journalist Nasir Malik said that inviting an icon of freedom of journalism and human rights is an honour for the NPC. He was a hero of the struggle then and is a hero even today. We learnt journalism and fighting for its independence from Naqi, Nisar Usmani, Minhaj Barna and others. He said we cannot repay the debt we owe to these luminaries. We want to give a message to powers which are bent upon eroding the hard earned freedoms. He said we all are Nisar Usmanis, Minhaj Barnas and Hussain Naqis.

He also condemned efforts in the name of Media Regulatory Authority where final power will rest with the government. He declared to prevent passage of this bill by launching a movement.

Mustansar Javed, former editor, Dateline Islamabad, said that we are going to face a worse period. We already lost half of the country. He said that we are witness that Naqi always stood firm on his Kalma e Haq before every Jabir Sultan wherever or whenever required.

Renowned poetess and activist Kishwar Naheed Apa said that an Urdu-speaking Naqi brought out a Punjabi daily Sajjan from Lahore. She congratulated Mr Naqi as well as the organisers. M Ziauddin, former Editor, The News, said that Naqi Sahib remained a source of inspiration whether we were students or in journalism. He said that Naqi taught us how to talk with rulers eye-ball to eye-ball. He said that the government earns bad name if it cannot ensure reach of all newspapers and channels in all areas of cities. He also urged the government to ensure safety and security of journalists. He called for unity in journalists to safeguard freedoms and rights.

Anchor Hamid Mir said that we can follow blindly after Naqi, Ziauddin and the like. There is no such person in politicians and judges, he said. Afzal Butt, President, PFUJ, said that we will not act as robots.

He quoted Asma Jahangir who had stated the bad time is ahead for journalism. Now the court does not allow even food from home for people in custody. He announced Hussain Naqi Award every year to a struggling newsperson from the NPC platform.

Tariq Chaudhry, President NPC, said that the strange treatment of an egoist gave new life to the struggle of mediapersons. He said that media industry has lighthouses like Naqi to guide us.

Fauzia Shahid, former Secretary PFUJ, said that Naqi has united journalism in Pakistan and we are thankful to him for this. Mubarak Zeb Khan said that media houses are being targeted financially by the powers that be resulting in retrenchment of journalists from newspapers and TV channels. He said that Hussain Naqi kept his tradition and his role rekindled the struggle of newspersons for their rights.

Harris Khalique read a message of Prof Amin Mughal from London. Naqi is “Shayan- e-Bazu-e-Qaatil,” Prof Mughal quoted from Ghalib. Ali Raza Alvi, Asif Shabbir and Dr Abid Abbasi and also spoke on the occasion.

The News 

In a special report, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) describes how journalists in this country are pulled back by an undertow of violence and pressures from multiple sources. Since 2000, as many as 57 media persons have been killed in retaliation for their work. Although following the counter-terrorism operations, overall violence and murder of journalists have gone down, the threat of violence remains. Consequently, the climate for press freedom has been deteriorating. The report further notes that Pakistan Protection Ordinance, a counter-terrorism law, which allows people to be detained for 90 days without being charged, could also be used to punish critical reporting. No wonder the journalists interviewed by CPJ “painted a picture of a media under siege”.

Restrictions on media freedom are not something new. In the past, they came in the naked form of press advice and the notorious Press and Publications Ordinance. But now newer more subtle and dangerous ways are used to control the media. Papers that insist on taking a dissenting line are punished through interference in the sale and distribution network and the uncompromising TV channels by forcing cable operators to disrupt their placement order or at times put them off air. And as a respected veteran journalist, I. A. Rehman, pointed at the unveiling of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan’s report on “Curbs on Freedom of Expression in Pakistan”, ‘advice’ now is given even during live TV programmes. There is fear in the environment due to which, he aptly averred, not only people will stop speaking but they will also stop thinking. In fact as the CPJ report found, journalists and editors across the country had resorted to self-censorship due to a widespread sense of intimidation. Enforced self-censorship, needless to say, stifles dissent, an essential ingredient of a democratic order, and also prevents the people from getting a proper picture of issues confronting the country and affecting their lives.

In a much welcome step, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry recently announced lifting of censorship from the state-owned PTV. The government must also pay attention to the issues the CPJ report has raised. The atmosphere of fear and intimidation must be brought to an end. In that the media organisations, like the CPNE, APNS, PFUJ and PBA also need to play a proactive role. Unfortunately, they seem to be in disarray. Things are unlikely to change for the better unless and until these media bodies joined hands to defend freedom of expression with one voice.

Business Recorder

درخواستوں کی وصولی کے لئے دوسرا اعلان
آخری تاریخ 20 اگست 2017ء

پاکستان پریس فاؤنڈیشن (پی پی ایف) کی جانب سے فیلوشپ برائے تحقیقاتی رپورٹنگ کےلئے درخواستیں موصول کی جارہی ہیں۔
فیلوشپس کے لئے درخواستوں کی موصولی “پاکستان میں تحقیقاتی صحافت میں معاونت” کے پراجیکٹ کا حصہ ہیں جس کا مقصد تحقیقاتی صحافت کو فروغ دینا اور میڈیا سے وابستہ افراد کو عوامی دلچسپی کے امور بشمول حکومتی نظم و نسق، شفافیت، صنف، بدعنوانی اور انسانی حقوق کے بارے میں گہرائی سے کی جانے والی رپورٹس کے بارے میں مدد فراہم کرنا ہے۔
فیلوشپس میں صلاحیت سازی کے لیے ورکشاپس کے علاوہ ادارتی اور تکنیکی معاونت بھی فراہم کی جائے گی تا کہ ایسی تحقیقاتی رپورٹس تیار کرنے میں مدد کی جاسکے جو صحافت کے پیشہ ورانہ اصولوں اور قانونی معیارات کے مطابق ہوں۔ فیلوشپ کا دورانیہ تین ماہ اورمعاوضہ ساٹھ ہزارروپے ہے۔ معاوضے کی ادائیگی کا انحصار اہداف کی تکمیل پر ہے۔
منتخب امیدواروں کو سینئر صحافیوں کے ساتھ کام کرنے کا موقع ملے گا جو فیلوشپ کے دوران ادارتی رہنما کا کردارادا کریں گے۔
پرنٹ، ٹیلی ویژن، ریڈیو اور آن لائن میڈیا میں کم از کم تین سال کا تجربہ رکھنے والے صحافی فیلوشپس کے لیے درخواستں جمع کروانے کے اہل ہیں۔ بلخصوص بلوچستان، فاٹا، گلگت بلتستان اور آزاد کشمیر کے صحافیوں کواہلیت کے معیار میں رعائیت دی جا سکتی ہے۔
درکار دستاویزات:
۔ پروفیشنل ریزیومے/سی وی حالیہ تصویر کے ساتھ
(۔ مکمل اسٹوری پروپوزل فارم (ڈاؤنلوڈ کرنے کے لیے کلک کیجیے
۔ شائع یا نشر کی گئی خبروں کے تین لنکس/نمونے

  پر بھیجیں ppf@pakistanpressfoundation.org درخواستیں
درخواست بھیجنے کی آخری تاریخ 20 اگست 2017ء، شام 5 بجے ہے۔ اس کے بعد بھیجی گئی درخواستوں کو شامل نہیں کیا جائے گا۔
صرف شارٹ لسٹ ہونے والے امیدواروں سےرابطہ کیا جائے گا۔

تحقیقاتی رپورٹنگ فیلوشپ کے پہلے مرحلے کے ورکشاپ کی وڈیو نیچے دیئے گئے لنک پر دیکھی جا سکتی ہے ۔

Second Call for Applications
Closing Date August 20, 2017

Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF), in collaboration with Netherlands-based Free Press Unlimited, seeks applications for fellowships on investigative journalism.
The call for applications is part of the “Supporting Investigative Journalism in Pakistan” project, which aims to promote investigative journalism by providing support to media professionals focusing on in-depth stories related to issues of public interest including those on governance, transparency, gender, corruption and human rights.

The fellowships will include capacity building workshops as well as editorial and technical support to produce investigative reports that meet professional, ethical and legal best practices in journalism.The amount for the fellowship is sixty thousand rupees. The duration of the fellowship is three months and payment is based on completion of milestones.

Selected participants will be paired with senior journalists who will act as coordinating editors during the term of the fellowship.

Journalists with a minimum experience of three years working for print, television, radio and online media can apply for the fellowships.The criteria for journalists from Baluchistan, FATA, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir may be relaxed for otherwise qualified applicants. Female journalists are encouraged to apply.

Applicants must send:

1. Professional resume/CV with recent photograph
2. Complete story proposal form (Click to download)
3. Three links/samples of published or broadcast pieces.

Applications should be sent to ppf@pakistanpressfoundation.org

The deadline for submitting applications is 5:00 pm, August 20, 2017.Applications received after the due date will not be entertained.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Video of the first batch of the investigative reporting fellowship and workshop can be viewed at:

There has been a clear deterioration in the safety of journalists, the problem of impunity and of freedom of expression online. These were the main findings of the report submitted to the 120^th session of UN Human Rights Committee in Geneva by Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF), in collaboration with IFEX, the global network defending and promoting the right to freedom of expression and information, and RIDH, the International Network of Human Rights.

The recommendations in the PPF-IFEX-RIDH report include that the government should appoint special prosecutors for attacks on journalists, start monitoring the judicial process, and ensure the implementation of the minimum laws that it has for the harassment of women in the workplace. There is a need to revisit the extent of powers that are enjoyed by the regulatory authorities, especially by PEMRA: before taking action against the media they should get judicial approval, or there should be a fair process. The Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) also needs to be revisited. We need to look again at the defamation laws and bring them in line with the minimum requirements which are there. These are the very minimum things that the government should do if it claims to be promoting freedom of expression.

Pakistan was reviewed for the first time by the UN Human Rights Committee on 11 and 12 July. The Committee, which consists of 18 independent experts, is mandated to oversee the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Pakistan ratified the ICCPR in 2010, and as such is bound to respect it.

The UNHRC met to analyze the situation in Pakistan and will make recommendations aimed at promoting and protecting human rights in the country.

The Committee had highlighted in its List of Issues (shared with Pakistan prior to the meeting) its concerns about increasing control of telecommunications by the state and several Pakistani agencies, such as the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA), as well as the censorship of television programs and websites.

During the examination of Pakistan, the UN Human Rights Committee tackled issues regarding freedom of expression, including blasphemy legislation and anti-terror laws, impunity for crimes committed against journalists, and an overly restrictive environment for the electronic media and film industry. Despite these concerns, the government delegation insisted that there is an “unprecedented level of freedom of the media available in Pakistan” and further claimed that all cases of terrorist violence against the media are addressed by the government and the judiciary, despite the evidence of high impunity presented by civil society organizations.

The experts on the Committee noted concerns regarding impunity for crimes committed against journalists and cited PPF’s figures, stating that 73 journalists had been killed since 2002 with only five convictions for these crimes thus far.

The Committee requested detailed information and statistics regarding crimes against journalists and subsequent investigations, prosecutions and convictions, as well as the same information regarding other crimes.

In response, the delegation of Pakistan stated that the allegations of a culture of impunity were inaccurate and alleged that crimes against journalists were a result of terrorists attempting to silence the media. Pakistan government delegation stressed that it investigates all cases of attacks on journalists as well as allegations of crimes committed by state agencies. However, the government failed to provide statistics on the investigations, prosecutions and convictions of these crimes as requested on numerous occasions by Committee members, confirming doubts about their commitment to fight impunity.

The Committee also reminded the government that criminal sanctions for defamation, often used to target dissident voices in the media, are not in line with the CCPR, and questioned whether the government had any plans or had taken any action to decriminalize defamation.

The Committee also raised serious concerns regarding challenges to freedom of expression online and the increasingly antagonistic regulatory environment for the electronic media and film industry.

Members of the Committee also raised concerns regarding the Code of Conduct issued by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority. The Committee noted that there had been more than 20 suspensions of media channels in the past four years, and wondered what safeguards and oversight mechanisms were in place to ensure the authority did not violate freedom of expression. The delegation did not respond to these concerns.

One expert raised numerous concerns about the broad powers of the PTA expanded through the 2016 Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). This law enables the state body to restrict access to information and issue guidelines to information service providers on the internet without judicial oversight. Despite the government’s claim that the powers granted to the PTA are aligned with international standards, one expert requested detailed information on how this is possible without independent judicial oversight.

In response to these concerns, the delegation of Pakistan explained that open consultations in the drafting of PECA had been held, however, it noted that submissions received from civil society were vague; and, the delegation added, the final version of the act was a reasonable compromise between opposing opinions. They also ensured that there is a system of checks and balances within the PECA and that the powers of the PTA must be in line with the Constitution ensuring sufficient limitations on power.

Now that the Human Rights Committee has completed its initial examination of Pakistan, it will take note of the current human rights situation in the country and will publish its Concluding Observations on July 28, 2017. This document, which will include a list of recommendations, will provide the government with concrete steps it should take to amend its human rights record; it will also equip civil society with the tools they need to efficiently pressure the Government to make the necessary changes.

Responding to Pakistan’s UN review, Owais Aslam Ali, Secretary General of PPF, stressed two main sources of limitations on freedom of expression – threats to the physical safety of journalists and the policy framework in Pakistan. He said restrictions implemented by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) as reminiscent of the days of dictatorship.

Ali hoped that the government wouldbe more forthcoming in its written responses and take the safety of journalists seriously. He welcomed the government’s decision to set up an endowment fund for journalists who are injured or killed, but added that it does not address the issue of bringing to justicethose who inflict violence on journalists. Unless you tackle the impunity, simply paying the victims is not going to end attacks on journalists, Ali said.

Matthew Redding, Campaigns and Advocacy Coordinator of the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX),noted that these limitations on freedom of expression have resulted in a citizenry that is deprived of important information.  He said government delegation seemed in many cases reluctant to even acknowledge there was a problem. Even when presented with very credible information from the experts, particularly with regards to threats against journalists and the violence that they faced, they seemed to pin this almost entirely on terrorists rather than accepting any sort of government responsibility for these attacks.

Links:

Freedom of Expression report submitted to UNHRC by PPF, IFEX & RIDH

“There is a need for all media within Pakistan to unite”: Pakistan Press Foundation

Responding to Pakistan’s UN review: In conversation with Owais Aslam Ali and Matthew Redding

Pakistan dismisses civil society concerns regarding freedom of expression before UN Committee

UN prepares to examine civil and political rights in Pakistan

Pakistan’s print media highlighted important issues including the revival of Censorship Committee on Defence Planning (CCDP) after 18 years; the recent flexing of muscles by Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to regulate private TV channels and the opening of Centre for Excellence in Journalism (CEJ) at Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi.

PPF monitored 18 daily newspapers monitored from February 22-28, including Dawn, The News, The Nation, Express Tribune, Business Recorder, Pakistan Today and Regional Times, Jang, Dunya, Roznama Express, Nawa-e-Waqt, Pakistan, Intikhab, Quami Akhbar, Amn, Kawish, Ibrat and Awami Awaaz.

Of the 70 news published during the week in the newspapers monitored, 11 were on media ethics, 20 on media rights, 10 on media safety, 3 on media bodies, 5 were obituaries and 3 were on welfare of journalists. Nineteen stories covered a number of miscellaneous issues.

Development of professional capacity

All major newspapers including Dawn and Express Tribune prominently covered inauguration of Centre for Excellence in Journalism (CEJ) at Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi established in collaboration with International Centre for Journalists (ICFJ), Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and United States Department of State.

At present 280 journalists attending programs and participating in training in television production, editing, documentary making, upcoming course on news writing, reporting, editing for TV, print media and data journalism. IBA plans to introduce Master’s journalism degree programme.

Kamal Siddiqui, Editor of Express Tribune is the chair of the CEJ Board of Advisors.

Electronic Media

Censorship Committee on Defence Planning (CCDP)

The News (Feb. 24) carried exclusive story by Ansar Abbasi highlighting the government’s revival of the Censorship Committee on Defence Planning (CCDP) after 18 years to protect “national interest threatened particularly by unregulated and unchecked electronic media.”
CCDP which met on December 16, 2015 under chairmanship of Secretary Information, decided to regulate the selling of airtime by local TV and radio channels to foreign media because the committee felt “many TV channels and radio stations are airing foreign programmes and content which could be detrimental to national interest.”

CCPD decided that there should be uniformity at federal and provincial levels to evolve to mechanisms to review censorship regulations and procedures that have a bearing on national interest or defence planning.

It also decided to have an effective monitoring mechanism of private TV, radio channels during emergencies and war situation for which a media cell was set up comprising civil, military and security agencies representatives. The story did not clarify if the committee considered current situation in the country to warrant such monitoring mechanism.

CCDP also reviewed proposed changes suggested by Films Censors after the 18th Constitutional amendment.

PEMRA Flexes Its Muscles

The Nation (Feb. 25) carried story of PEMRA Council of Complaints (COC) imposing fine of Rs. 100,000 on ARY TV for “incitement for dislodgment of democratic system” in their programme “Sawal Ye Hai” hosted by Dr. Danish that included an appeal to Army chief to come and take over the country and topple the democratic setup.

PEMRA COC warned Express TV News for airing programs in violation of Code of Conduct 2015 and levelling allegations without credible information against Taimur Rehman, Assistant Professor, Political Science, Lahore University of Medical Sciences (LUMS). COC also directed ARY News to air apology and rebuttable for airing incorrect information against functionaries in Aviation Division of the Federal Government.

The COC advised PEMRA to issues advice to all TV channels to refrain from the use of derogatory words against persons, institutions, maligning government functionaries, airing allegation without credible information. It recommended issuing advice to TV channels to strictly refrain from calling a citizen enemy of Pakistan, anti-Islam, traitor, using racial and religious discriminatory words.

PEMRA Chairman Absar Alam convened consultative conference with stake holders on March 16 with participation of Information Minister, senior officials, civil society members to enhance confidence with media industry reported by Jang (Feb. 28).

The News (Feb. 24) carried a report on the ceremony to destroy 3,000 illegal Indian Direct to Home (DTH) decoders that PEMRA had recently confiscated. PEMRA said illegal Indian DTH were distributing illegal and unlicensed channels in Pakistan in violation of PEMRA rules.

The Business Recorder, Express Tribune and The Nation (Feb. 24) covered the resolution passed unanimously by Punjab Provincial Assembly seeking to ban television channels from broadcasting shows based on reenactment of crime scenes and court stories.

Dunya, Pakistan and Amn (Feb. 26) reported a request submitted by advocate Ishtiaq Chaudri in Lahore High Court to stop TV channels presenting airing crimes in dramatic way which violated Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority PEMRA rules, enabling criminals adopt new methods and attract children to crime.

BOL TV

According to news stories by Urdu dailies Amn (Feb. 24) and Quami Akhbar (Feb. 23) BOL TV Action Committee members’ demonstrated at Karachi Press Club with demand to restore bank accounts so that employees’ wages are paid besides restore its license.

Amn (Feb. 27) covered story on Sindh Assembly passing a resolution in favour of BOL TV. Sindh Minister Nisar Khoro and MQM member Faisal Sabzwari were among movers of resolution in house urged the federal ministry of interior to immediately grant security clearance to BOL media group. The resolution says BOL news and BOL entertainment should be allowed to start transmission and decision to suspend their license be revoked.

The house demanded investigation and action against those who resorted to this illegal action against BOL group, causing it billions of rupees loss.

Cable Operators

Pakistan Cable Operators Association (PCOA) announced to suspend TV broadcasts in Punjab province if tax not revoked, reported by The News. PCOA said it would suspend three hours transmission daily of all private TV channels from 25 February 2016 for a week in protest against tax imposed by Punjab Revenue Authority PRA.

PCOA head Captain (rtd.) Jabbar said transmission of all private TV channels other than state-owned Pakistan Television Corporation PTV will be suspended daily from 7pm to 10pm for a week. If demands were not considered, time span will be increased from three to six hours. He warned if any cable operator was arrested protest would be extended all over the country. Chiniot Cable Operator Association also announced suspending transmission of all channels in the district from 25 February except PTV.

Jang (Feb. 27) reported Managing Director of Pakistan Television Corporation PTV Mohammad Malik relinquished charge on completing two years contract, not further extended and new MD to be appointed soon. On 27 February The News reported Attaul Haq Qasmi assumed charge of additional MD PTV.

Media Freedom And Safety

Express Tribune (Feb. 24) covered story of Rana Arshad, Punjab parliamentary secretary for information announcing formation of a committee to probe alleged manhandling of a journalist by a deputy medical superintendent at a public hospital. Rana Arshad, Mian Aslam Iqbal and members of press gallery were included in the committee.

Pakistan (Feb. 27) reported, journalists boycotted Sindh Assembly’s coverage over threat by Tariq Masood Arain to Shah Waliullah reporter of local TV channel. Pakistan (Feb. 28) covered protest of journalist in Tank press club against Kalachi police head constable Ramzan’s misbehaviour with its President Awardin Masud while he was going to Dera Ismail Khan.

Express Tribune and Regional Times (Feb. 25) reported the arrest of Raees Ahmed, owner of Pasban publishers, Hyderabad, along with his employees from the press for publishing an anti-Pakistan advertisement in a Sindhi weekly newspaper. The advertisement contained content against Pakistan, armed forces, intelligence agencies and China Pakistan Economic Corridor project. During initial investigation, police have come to assessment that Ahmed did not read the content. “The man is illiterate,” said Station House Officer Afzal Qureshi. “He received ad from a person whom he couldn’t identify. He didn’t read it as it was written in Sindhi language.”

Right to Information (RTI)

Express Tribune (Feb. 23) published story based on directives of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Right to Information (RTI) Commission to government departments to share details of their retired employees in a monthly report. Chairman KP RTI Professor Kalimullah told Express Tribune he had to take this step after getting application of 80-year-old Muhammad Shareef who has yet to get his pension as it was stuck in district accounts office of Dera Ismail Khan. Kalimullah said under KP RTI Act 2013, Commission had power to ask all government departments to share information of those entitled to pension.

According to news story of Dawn (Feb. 24) a meeting chaired by Special Assistant to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister on Information approved proposed amendments in KP RTI Act 2013 to make it more comprehensive and accessible to people in the province. It proposes to include registered organizations and the High Court into the ambit of RTI law for provision of any sort of requested information, criminalizes provision of false information, those responsible to be fined and sentenced to two years in prison.

In Punjab implementation of Punjab Transparency & Right to Information Act 2013 faces hurdles of lack of finances and awareness among people reported by Dawn (Feb. 24). Chief Information Commissioner Mazhar Husain Minhas said there is a flood of information untapped in Punjab which should be used for research, governance and solution of problem.

Gender in journalism

Express Tribune’s photographer Aysha Saleem, was elected as member of governing body of Pakistan Association of Press Photographers. This is first time in the history of 55-years-old association that a female photographer had contested elections, won and is now member of governing body reported by Express Tribune (Feb. 24).

Pakistan Press Foundation

Karachi: Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon directed the inspector-general of the Sindh police and the Karachi police chief to take stern action against elements involved in torturing journalists outside the Sindh High Court’s (SHC) on Saturday.

A handout quoted him as saying that the government would not allow any sort of restriction on the freedom of journalists, and people involved in the torture incident would be taken to task without any discrimination.

It said that as media reports emerged regarding police personnel in civvies resorting to manhandling newsmen, especially cameramen, the outside high court premises, the minister contacted the Sindh and Karachi police chiefs and secured information about the incident.

Memon said the PPP had always believed in the media freedom and held high its cause whether it was democratic or autocratic rule in the country.

He said the PPP had never tried to stifle the voice of media as in fact it was the party, which rendered maximum sacrifices for freedom of media. He said that PPP would always be at the forefront for the cause of freedom of media.

The News

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