In Islamabad, the Information Minister, Maryam Aurangzeb, declared the withdrawal of the PEMRA (Amendment) Bill 2023. The decision was announced during a Senate Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting meeting, chaired by Convener Fauzia Arshad.
Maryam Aurangzeb stated that the bill was aimed at abolishing the outdated PEMRA law and had been diligently crafted with sincere efforts. However, in light of reservations raised about certain clauses, the Minister respected the concerns and chose to withdraw the bill. She emphasized that the government highly values the freedom of the media and does not want to give the impression otherwise.
During the meeting, the Minister highlighted that representative organizations of the media and all stakeholders were involved in the bill’s consultation and preparation since its inception. The government intends to engage in further discussions with them.
Several participants at the meeting expressed their support for the bill. President of APNS, Sarmad Ali, mentioned that extensive consultations were held on each clause, and they fully back the bill. Mir Ibrahim stressed the bill’s significance for journalists and urged that it should not be halted. Afzal Butt pointed out the bill’s importance in supporting journalists, especially regarding timely salary payments, and urged that it should not be withdrawn.
