Updated on
Summary
Despite the assurance given by the National Assemblys Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting to the Prime Minister, curbs on media to cover the terror acts have been recommended. It is said in the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) Bill 2010 presented in the National Assembly that no programme against government institutions will be presented. No conversation will be broadcasted which will affect any issue. It put a bar for not broadcasting video footage of suicide bombers, terrorists, bodies of victims of terrorism, statements and pronouncements of militants and extremist elements and other acts which, may, in any way, promote, aid or abet terrorists or terrorism. The section K of clause 2 of the bill stated that a person who is issued a broadcast media license shall ensure that there will be no propagating of any opinion or act in any manner prejudicial to the Ideology of Pakistan or sovereignty, integrity or security of Pakistan and not broadcast any programme inciting violence or hatred. The section I of clause 2 of the proposed bill stated that no one shall broadcast anything defamatory against the organs of the state and not broadcast any programme or discussion to speculate or influence a matter which is subjudice.
