Reviews by Shah Muhammad Awan Advocate High Court Islamabad
Government of Pakistan looking to pass an ordinance regarding regulating films, electronic, print, and digital media in Pakistan. Print and Electronic Media Organizations protesting against this Media Authority, Opposition parties also rejects PMDA Act / Ordinance.
Why PMDA Ordinance Controversial
If we look at Print Media, there are also “PRESS, NEWSPAPERS, NEWS AGENCIES AND BOOKS REGISTRATION RULES 2009” is applicable. And detailed instructions regarding printing newspapers and published submit an affidavit to accept regarding follow Ordinance 2002 amended 2009. In this scenario, the PMDA ordinance seems extra restriction on Media. It’s pertinent to mention here that Some Web-based Channels and Electronic Media violating rules regarding the Sovereignty of the state. So that some reservations on this Ordinance being Chief Editor of Dalies.
What is Pakistan Media Development Authority Ordinance 2021
PMDA is to regulate films, electronic, print and digital media in Pakistan, WHEREAS it is expedient to provide for the development of films, electronic, print and digital media in order to –
i. To establish Pakistan as a major global center for multimedia information and
content services;
ii. To create an independent, efficient, effective and transparent Pakistan Media
Development Authority (PMDA) to regulate all forms of media and bring them
under one converged regulator and statutory authority;
iii. To ensure Constitutional guarantee of freedom of speech and expression as
enshrined in the Constitution and optimize the media’s ability to act as an
an important constituent of the State;
iv. To create a robust environment for the development of all forms of media, having
competition, a plurality of voices, diversity of opinions, analyses and programs
for informing, educating, entertaining and empowering citizens through free
access to information and media literacy;
v. To promote and nurture the national information resources for a befitting
cultural representation of the country globally; and
vi. To ensure ease of doing business for all the stakeholders and enable affordable and
quality services to the end-users
Major Reservations on PMDA Ordinance by Print Media
Here are some contradictions that need to review
Section 24. Call for information: The Authority may call for any information, audited
financial statements, or any other relevant document required for carrying out the
purposes from any person involved directly or indirectly, the licensee in respect of any
regulated activity or any matter incidental or consequential thereto. Any person called
upon to provide such information, documents or reports shall do so within the stipulated
time period and his failure to do so shall be punishable by the imposition of such fines as
may be prescribed.
Note: Being Print Media already on a ventilator it’s not easy to manage all things especially some local news based on sources and written evidence not possible in every matter.
37. Jurisdiction of courts barred-. Save as otherwise provided by this Ordinance, only
Supreme Court of Pakistan shall have jurisdiction to question the legality of anything
done or decision or any action taken under the ordinance.
Suggestion: Tribunal needs to consider equality to District court and High Courts shall have jurisdiction to question the legality instead of Supreme Court of Pakistan because more than 90% Newspapers facing financial issues and pleading in Supreme Court of Pakistan is not easy for that publishers.
40. Offences and penalties. – “(1) Any licensee and registered entity, declaration and
NOC holder or person who violates or abets the violation of any of the provisions of this
The ordinance shall be guilty of offense punishable with imprisonment for a term which may
extend to three years or with a fine which may extend up to two twenty-five million
rupees or with both.
Note: If someone involves against the sovereignty of Pakistan, Against Islam, Involve in Terror Activities must be punished according to PPC under Cr.PC but on minor violations, proposed punishments are not fair.
Manaqib Media Group Support this Ordinance but request to Government, Newspaper falls in Catagory B already unable to manage their expenses and Newspapers are a most better source of information and educational support. Need to save this industry and affiliated peoples. Government review on Fines and punishment.
