PEMRA’s Legislative Reform: A Leap Towards Media Freedom and Worker Security

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) Amendment Bill, 2023, has recently become a significant focal point in Pakistan’s legislative environment. President Dr. Arif Alvi gave his assent to the bill, transforming it into law and marking a pivotal change in the media regulatory landscape of the country. This legislative update aims at enhancing the existing media law framework, ensuring greater financial security for media workers, and promoting a more transparent and democratic process within the media industry​​.

The PEMRA Amendment Bill, 2023, was passed by both the upper and lower houses of Parliament, reflecting a collective effort to address concerns previously raised by journalist associations. One of the bill’s key features is the formation of a parliamentary committee responsible for the appointment of the PEMRA chairman. This move is expected to foster a more inclusive and balanced approach to media regulation, taking into account the input of various stakeholders, including journalist organizations and media house owners​​.

Furthermore, the amendment introduces significant changes aimed at protecting the rights of media workers. For the first time, media workers are given the right to file complaints in the Council of Complaints, offering them a platform to voice concerns and seek redressal for grievances such as non-payment of salaries. The bill also mandates that media houses failing to pay dues to journalists for consecutive two months will not receive government advertisements, thereby ensuring financial security for media personnel