PEMRA Ordinance 2002

The rapid and immense rise of the broadcast sector is in Pakistan has reported to and influenced millions in Pakistan. From one terrestrial channel, 80 satellite channels and Radio Pakistan on air since 1949. There are more than a 100 FM radio stations and broadcasting is at a peak in Pakistan’s history. To oversee and administer television and radio channels, in 1992 the Government created Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA Ordinance.) This was at was developed by the Ministry to Law, Justice and Human Rights & Parliamentary Affairs in 2002 under the supervision of President of Pakistan General Pervaiz Musharraf.

The 2002 PEMRA improved earlier Media law. An authority was developed to monitor the effectiveness of the PEMRA but the ordinance seriously lacks proper and strict implementation. The monitoring of the networks, TV stations and Airwaves is not satisfactory. Proven by the practice of satellite channels that show extensive footage of blood and corpses of the victims of bomb blasts, terrorism and the regional military conflict. This is against the PEMRA Ordinance but all the channels show the bloodshed as sensationalistic ally and with disturbing video and audio content for the purpose of getting more viewership and increasing profitability. PEMRA clearly does not take any action against those channels.

When GEO TV, a major channel that is respected in the West said that Pakistan is involved in Mumbai attacks, PEMRA should have taken severe action because channels should support our national interests and respect. The possibility of causing more deaths and conspiracy by not adhering to PEMRA guidelines is against national ideals.

GEO & ARY were telecasting the news of shoe throwing on Zardari in UK, then GEO & ARY were banned and sent off air immediately in Pakistan. Which is again a false act by PEMRA because the Ordinance states that “Channels can show the truth only, even if it is against the Government but can not add any extra material to it.” So according to me, the most major problem with the PEMRA Ordinance 2002 is the need for serious implementation and use of its authority to protect Pakistan. There should not be loopholes that underscore the efficiency of the News media in Pakistan. Its lack of efficiency and consistency in regulations of TV and radio must improve for the PEMRA Ordinance of 2002 to meet the needs of a strong country facing massive problems.

Regards,
Wajeeh Fatima