Senator Sarmad Ali questions PEMRA Over Unlicensed TV Channels and Vacant Complaint Cell Positions:
Senator Sarmad Ali stated that unlicensed TV channels are operating in the country, questioning what PEMRA (Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority) is doing about it. PEMRA officials responded that they are pursuing legal action against religious channels in the courts. Senator Sarmad Ali further expressed concern that if PEMRA leaves complaint cell positions vacant for two years, how will they address complaints?
The Senate Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting held a meeting where PEMRA’s Director General of Operations, Muhammad Tahir, provided a detailed briefing to the committee. PEMRA officials informed the committee that the courts support religious groups’ religious channels, which is why they avoid making decisions on these cases.
Senator Sarmad Ali said that if this continues, they should also be afraid that religious matters might be used against them. He questioned how PEMRA would resolve complaints if they kept complaint cell positions vacant for two years.
In response to a question from the committee, PEMRA Chairman Saleem Baig stated that the recruitment process for vacant positions in the organization is ongoing and is expected to be completed next month. Saleem Baig mentioned that 85 TV channels have been licensed in Pakistan, and 35 foreign channels have been granted landing rights. The minimum fee for a TV license is set at 50 million rupees.
PEMRA’s Director General of Operations explained that the PEMRA Act was established in 2002, under which private channels were licensed. PEMRA can take legal action if TV channel employees do not receive their salaries and dues. He added that misinformation and disinformation were not included in the law initially, but in 2023, these terms were incorporated into the law.
PEMRA officials defined misinformation and disinformation in the law, stating that running news content against someone based on personal animosity or interest without taking the other party’s stance is considered disinformation. The Director General of Operations mentioned that 124 complaints of misinformation and disinformation were received, and 45 applications are still pending.
During the committee meeting, Senator Aun Abbas asked if PEMRA had taken action against any authority of the government for disinformation. He questioned what action would be taken if he provided evidence that the government’s claim of reduced inflation was disinformation by the Minister of Information. PEMRA officials responded that if evidence is submitted to the complaints council, it will be reviewed by the council.
