ISLAMABAD:
A Senate panel on Friday expressed concern over alleged censorship of PTI founder Imran Khan’s speeches in Parliament, and lawmakers expressed concern over PEMRA’s targeted actions against accused TV channels and journalists. of spreading “disinformation.”
Some lawmakers argued that the issue of media coverage (particularly Imran Khan’s silenced speeches) should be a key point of discussion in the ongoing negotiations between the government and the PTI.
Lawmakers on the Senate Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting called for comprehensive media reforms. Lawmakers expressed concern and peppered Information and Broadcasting Secretary Ambreen Jan with questions.
However, PEMRA clarified that no channel has been banned from mentioning Imran Khan’s name.
Officials at the media watchdog insisted that as a regulatory authority they have not imposed any bans. “Someone has to take responsibility,” they said, urging the channels to be summoned and report on who is responsible for the restrictions imposed.
Senator Ali Zafar demanded action against those responsible for censoring opposition speeches. While Ambreen Jan admitted that she could take disciplinary action as CEO, she clarified that she could not fire employees.
Senator Aon Abbas responded that evidence would be provided to identify those involved and they must face the consequences.
Committee chairman Syed Ali Zafar shared videos from his phone showing his own speeches being censored in the Senate.
Senator Aon Abbas asked why only opposition speeches were censored, to which the Information Secretary replied that they were cut for technical reasons.
However, Aon Abbas questioned why these technical issues only seem to affect the opposition’s speeches and not those of government members.
Disinformation
Chief Operating Officer Muhammad Tahir briefed the committee on PEMRA’s performance, evolving legislative framework and current challenges.
During his briefing, he said that concerted attempts were made to specifically incorporate misinformation and misinformation issues into the amended PEMRA laws in 2023.
Legislation now defines disinformation as the spread of content against someone for malicious intent or personal gain without seeking the other party’s perspective.
He said PEMRA received 124 complaints about misinformation and disinformation in 2023, with 45 still pending. Actions included temporarily suspending channel networks over false reports.
Given this, Senator Aon Abbas questioned whether PEMRA had ever acted against misinformation from government authorities. He said claims that the government reduced inflation could also be considered misinformation.
Muhammad Tahir clarified that complaints supported by evidence could be submitted to the complaints council for review.
Addressing the issues of journalists’ complaints, Tahir shared that PEMRA, established under the PEMRA Act, 2002, initially provided licenses to private television channels but did not address issues related to salaries and dues of employees.
However, the law has since been amended, allowing PEMRA to take legal action against television channels that fail to pay salaries or arrears to their employees.
