The President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan made and forwarded the Ordinance for the development and working of broadcast media and named it as the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority Ordinance, 2002.
The ordinance has various definitions regarding the media, its people, its channels, the license, the programmes etc. These definitions are given for the clear understanding of the people in media industry regarding the Ordinance. The Federal Govt. establishes an Authority known as PEMRA with its principal office at Islamabad and can set up its offices at different places in the country. The Authority will provide regulations for operating broadcast media and air the channels for all target audiences. The Federal Govt has the authority to issue directives in the Authority and same has to be followed as a final decision.
The Authority will have a Chairman and nine members out of which one will be selected by the Federal Govt and five will represent all provinces with expertise in various fields.
The meetings are going to be conducted by the Chairman and the decisions taken shall be mutual with all the members present and in case of a tie, the presiding person would cast a last vote.
The Chairman of the authority and the members, during their period of holding the office for four years cannot engage themselves with other businesses or persons relating to broadcast media or cannot be a part in applying for a license for the same, thus having no direct or indirect financial interest as well.
The budget will be provided to the Federal Govt three months before the financial year starts. The Authority will then establish a PEMRA FUND which will be used for various payments like salaries etc.
The Authority shall keep complete records of its books and maintain audits and send their Annual Report to the President of Pakistan at the end of each financial year.
The Authority can issue licenses to the broadcasters as per the list agreed on and can charge its fee for the same, provided the broadcaster respects the integrity of Pakistan, complies with the rules of the Ordinance and keeps the public interests in mind not engaging in terrorism etc.
If an individual is not a citizen of Pakistan, is a foreign company or has maximum share holders as foreign nationals, it not permitted to apply for licenses with the Authority.
The members of the Authority can visit the CTV stations for the purpose of inspection and can suspend or prohibit broadcasting of such programs that create violence and hatred.
The Authority may discontinue or revoke the license of a broadcaster if he fails to pay the fees, does not comply with the conditions or transfers its shares to other share holders etc.
The Authority shall punish a broadcaster for a penalty if he violates the provisions of the Ordinance or is found guilty for imprisonment.
Moreover, the Authority will have power to make rules by notification in the official Gazette after taking prior approval from the Government.
By Fatima Sayani
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