Sherry terms repeal of PEMRA laws ‘welcome sign’ for press, democracy, masses

ASSOCIATTED PRESS SERVICE


ISLAMABAD : Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Sherry Rehman Friday termed the repeal of PEMRA laws a “welcome sign” for the country, press, and democratic traditions. “Within two weeks of formation of the new government, the bill to repeal the black Pemra laws has been sent to the respective Parliamentary committee and would soon become a law. This is a gift of a long struggle jointly launched by the media, democratic forces and the entire nation,” she said while addressing a press conference here at the Parliament House.
Terming a ‘sea change’ in the media policy of the PDA government, the Minister pledged that media would also be given access to the proceedings of the committee.
“The Prime Minister in his first policy statement given on the floor of National Assembly after receiving unanimous vote of confidence on March 29 had expressed resolve of the new government to dismantle restrictions and curbs placed on the media and had announced the repeal of the amendments made in the PEMRA Ordinance 2002 which was introduced on November 3, 2007,” she said adding that draconian laws that threatened coercive actions against the press are being removed via this bill to begin the process of providing for a free press in Pakistan.
Terming the step a revelational initiative, Sherry Rehman said this was only a first step and the journalists could further convey their reservations, if any, to her as the democratic government was accessible to the media.
She said that some TV channels were interrupted at Karachi by some cable operators recently and on inquiring they avoided to give any reason to the government.
“Though the Pemra does not fall under the Ministry of Information, yet I took notice of the matter. However, we do not want to penalize the cable operators and rather a meeting of the PBA, cable operators and other stakeholders to resolve all such problems,” she said.
Condemning the torture against working journalists, the Minister said the government has launched an inquiry into the recent incidents of violence and the government writ would be restored across country.
Sherry said the government would take initiatives to provide protection to the working journalists and a plan is being worked out by the ministry to provide funds for the welfare of the families of those journalists who are killed or injured while their boots on.
“We would also make sure that this process is made transparent as the welfare of journalists is part of our agenda,” she added.
To a question, Sherry Rehman said the return of democracy would not annoy any individual.
To another query, she said the PDA government has decided not to launch ‘witch hunt’ policy towards the government employees.
“The bureaucracy has no agenda and it follows the directives of the political governments. However, the masses, the parliament and media would hold the employees accountable. We would conduct thorough audit and action would be taken against the responsible for misconduct,” she said adding that action would be taken who would not follow the directives of the government. However, she made it clear that no arbitrary action would be taken against any government employee.
Elabourating the amendments into Pemra Ordinance, Sherry Rehman said the draconian laws that threatened coercive action against the press will be removed via this bill to begin the process of providing for a free press in Pakistan.
“This involves, as a first step, the withdrawal of the provisions of Ordinance XIII of 2002, inserted through Ordinance LXV of 2007 on 3rd November, 2007,” she added.
“In section 27, the owner of an offending broadcast station or Cable network was also made responsible, along with the operator - this is also being withdrawn. The amendment had increased the fine of Rs. one million to Rs. ten million for a licensee who contravenes the provisions of the PEMRA laws and has been given reasonable opportunity to show cause. - The ten million fine is being reversed to one million again”.
“Through the amendment, the Authority (PEMRA) was empowered to revoke the License on violations by the Licensee - this is also being withdraw. 3rd November amendment also empowered at Authority / Chairman PEMRA to seize the equipment or seal the premises of a Licensee; and also close down the network of a licensee in a situation of emergency. - This is also being withdrawn. By adding sub-section (2) in section 31,the live coverage of violence and conflict was prohibited - This sub-section is also being withdrawn,” she said.
“By amending section 33, a three-year imprisonment was added to ten million fine for the broadcast licensee of his representative who violates or abets violation of any PEMRA law - Similarly a cable TV operator, or his representative who commits such a wrong was to face one year imprisonment in addition to rupees five million fine - the imprisonment segment is being withdrawn. Offences under the PEMRA law were made cognizable and compoundable - this is being withdrawn,” she concluded.