Opposition vows to resist steps to gag media

Published June 1, 2021
In this file photo, PPP Senator Sherry Rehman addresses the Senate. — DawnNewsTV/File
In this file photo, PPP Senator Sherry Rehman addresses the Senate. — DawnNewsTV/File

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) on Monday expressed concern over the government’s plan to establish the Pakistan Media Development Authority (PMDA) through an ordinance and vowed to resist it with full force, terming it an attempt to gag the media in the country.

In a statement, PML-N information secretary Marriyum Aurangzeb declared the government’s move to establish the PMDA through an ordinance an “unconstitutional step” and in conflict with Article 19 of the Constitution which guaranteed freedom of expression and a free media in the country.

She said that instead of bringing legislation to protect the journalists and to ensure media freedom, the government was bent upon bringing a “black law” in order to put more curbs on freedom of expression.

PPP says ordinance will have disastrous effect on media; PML-N terms it ‘black law’

PPP’s parliamentary leader in the Senate Sherry Rehman said in a statement that the disastrous effect that this ordinance would have on media and freedom of expression was “unacceptable”.

She alleged that actions of intolerance towards independent journalism were constantly increasing under the present government. She said Pakistan ranked 145 out of 180 countries on media rights watchdog Reporters Without Borders 2021 World Press Freedom Index, and instead of taking action to fix this, the government was trying to push through the PMDA Ordinance which would act as a tool for institutionalising censorship.

“The civil society and media rights groups have termed the ordinance media martial law. Through this media outlets will either become state mouthpieces or go under,” she said.

The PPP senator said the PMDA would regulate films, electronic, print and digital media, including Web TV and news websites. Through this ordinance, she alleged, there were plans to centralise media oversight under one draconian authority, annual NOCs were to remain operational, and suspension/penalties were on their way.

“There will be no onus on the government to provide warning or rationales for clampdowns,” she added.

Ms Rehman said a report launched by the Freedom Network stated that Islamabad was the most dangerous and riskiest region for journalists. She said it was disturbing to hear that popular anchors were regularly being taken off air.

“Stifling voices of dissent will only harm democracy. The PTI-led government is afraid of criticism and through such anti-media policies just wants to suppress the media in the country,” she alleged.

“The fact that Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and Pakistan Bar Council have already rejected the proposed PMDA Ordinance 2021 goes out to show that any such censorship attempt on the mainstream media will not be accepted,” she said.

Published in Dawn, June 1st, 2021

Opinion

Editorial

Future plans
Updated 11 Dec, 2023

Future plans

The ex-PM wanting to take a strong stance on civilian supremacy is a carefully calculated power move.
Shocking images
11 Dec, 2023

Shocking images

THERE has been a variety of shocking videos and images emerging from Israel’s genocidal assault on Gaza, courtesy...
Underage marriage
11 Dec, 2023

Underage marriage

WHEN custom undermines welfare, especially for girls, it should be abandoned. Far too often, the guardians of...
Liberties lost
Updated 10 Dec, 2023

Liberties lost

As Pakistan marks Human Rights Day today, it confronts a troubling panorama of human rights violations.
Careless remarks
10 Dec, 2023

Careless remarks

WHAT prompted the caretaker interior minister to sound a public alarm over the country’s political leadership...
Urea shortage
10 Dec, 2023

Urea shortage

IT is the time of the year when urea fertiliser vanishes from the market, and wheat growers are forced to pay a...