AEMEND and PFUJ Criticize PEMRA’s Actions Against TV Channels in Pakistan
In Islamabad, the Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND) has expressed concern over the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) issuing “illegal” show-cause notices to TV channels for covering a terrorist attack in Karachi. AEMEND claims this is an attempt to pressure the media, as reported by Geo News.
The association stated that TV channels were facing both announced and unannounced restrictions following PEMRA’s order, which they termed as “illegal censorship.” A spokesperson for AEMEND highlighted that the channels responsibly communicated government and law enforcement updates to the public, including traffic information in the affected area.
Despite following protocols, “unlawful notices” were issued to various channels, exerting pressure on them. PEMRA has a history of imposing restrictions on media, often leading to censorship of content unfavorable to the government. AEMEND emphasized that no person or institution is above the law, and any violations by TV channels should be assessed according to regulations. However, the current notices were deemed “malicious” and “unacceptable.”
AEMEND held a special meeting to develop a strategy to address PEMRA’s actions, considering legal action and other options. The media in Pakistan operates under state control, legal restrictions, and threats to journalists, affecting information flow and public discourse.
The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) also criticized PEMRA’s decision, calling it an attempt to pressure TV channels. PFUJ President Afzal Butt and Secretary General Arshad Ansari condemned the actions, stating that reporting on the Karachi attack is crucial for public safety. They warned that ongoing pressure could lead to nationwide protests.
Pakistan’s media freedom ranking has dropped, with the country now at 157 out of 180, according to a report. Laws like the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) have been criticized for targeting journalists, leading to self-censorship. The journalists’ organization urged authorities to avoid coercive tactics.
Doubts Revealed
AEMEND -: AEMEND stands for the Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors. It is a group in Pakistan that represents people who work in media, like TV and radio, and helps protect their rights.
PFUJ -: PFUJ stands for the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists. It is an organization that supports journalists in Pakistan, helping them with issues like freedom of speech and working conditions.
PEMRA -: PEMRA is the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority. It is a government body in Pakistan that controls and regulates TV and radio channels to make sure they follow certain rules.
Show-cause notices -: Show-cause notices are official letters sent to someone, asking them to explain or justify their actions. In this case, PEMRA sent these notices to TV channels to question their coverage of a news event.
Media freedom ranking -: Media freedom ranking is a way to measure how free and independent the media is in a country. A lower ranking means there are more restrictions and challenges for journalists to report news freely.
