Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken a major step toward reshaping Pakistan’s media regulatory landscape by forming a five-member high-powered committee to appoint the new Pemra Chairman. The move underscores the government’s intent to bring transparency, professionalism, and renewed vision to the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) — the body responsible for regulating the country’s television and radio broadcasters.
The newly announced committee will be chaired by Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, and includes senior representatives from key government institutions. The primary objective of this committee is to identify and select a highly qualified individual capable of modernizing Pemra and ensuring fair media regulation across Pakistan.
During a recent farewell dinner for outgoing Federal Secretary for Information and Broadcasting, Ms. Ambreen Jan, Attaullah Tarar confirmed the development, describing it as a “strategic and timely initiative” to strengthen Pakistan’s media governance system. He highlighted that the Pemra Chairman selection process will be conducted with full transparency, ensuring that only candidates with relevant experience and integrity are shortlisted.
Key Figures Under Consideration
Sources close to the Ministry of Information have revealed that several experienced and well-known media professionals are being considered for the position. Among the potential candidates are Ms. Ambreen Jan, her predecessor Ms. Shahida Shahir, and former Pemra Chairman Muhammad Saleem Baig.
Additionally, former Federal Secretaries for Information — Ashfaq Ahmad Gondal, Imran Gardezi, and Shafqat Jalil — are also likely to be evaluated by the committee for their contributions to Pakistan’s information and broadcasting sector.
Attaullah Tarar’s Statement on Transparency
Speaking at the event, Attaullah Tarar reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a fair and transparent appointment process. He emphasized that the new Pemra Chairman must not only possess strong administrative expertise but also a deep understanding of Pakistan’s evolving media environment.
“We are committed to appointing a Pemra Chairman who can ensure balance between media freedom and responsibility. The right leadership will help Pemra move toward digital modernization and ethical broadcasting,” Tarar said.
He also revealed that the new Federal Secretary for Information and Broadcasting will be appointed within the next few days. This decision will be followed by the finalization of the Pemra Chairman’s selection. Importantly, Tarar clarified that the upcoming Federal Secretary will be chosen from the Information Service of Pakistan (ISP), ensuring that the ministry’s leadership remains experienced and in sync with Pakistan’s communication infrastructure.
Strengthening Pakistan’s Media Regulatory Framework
The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority has long been at the center of public and political debate. It plays a crucial role in maintaining ethical standards, issuing broadcasting licenses, and ensuring fair coverage across the nation’s television and radio networks.
Analysts view the formation of this five-member Pemra selection committee as an important effort by the Shehbaz Sharif government to stabilize the media industry and enhance public trust. By prioritizing merit-based appointments, the government aims to restore confidence among media stakeholders and reinforce Pakistan’s commitment to free yet responsible journalism.
Challenges Facing the New Pemra Chairman
Whoever takes charge as the next Pemra Chairman will face a series of challenges, including:
-
Regulating digital media platforms and online broadcasters
-
Tackling misinformation and fake news
-
Balancing media freedom with national security concerns
-
Ensuring fair competition among private media houses
-
Encouraging local content production and cultural preservation
Industry experts believe that addressing these challenges will require a chairman with not only regulatory expertise but also a modern understanding of media technology, digital transformation, and audience dynamics.
Political and Media Industry Reactions
The announcement of the Pemra Chairman selection committee has drawn attention from media circles and political commentators alike. Many see it as a much-needed reform to bring efficiency and accountability to the media sector.
Media professionals have expressed hope that the new chairman will adopt a progressive approach, promote media ethics, and help the industry adapt to global broadcasting trends. Political analysts also note that the move could help improve relations between the government and the media community, which have often been strained over the past few years.
Looking Ahead
The Shehbaz Sharif government’s decision to form this high-level committee comes at a time when Pakistan’s media industry is undergoing rapid transformation. From the rise of digital platforms to the influence of global media trends, Pemra’s leadership will play a critical role in shaping the future of media regulation in Pakistan.
The final selection is expected to be announced in the coming weeks, following interviews and evaluations by the committee. According to officials, the process will be swift yet comprehensive, ensuring that the best candidate is chosen based on professional competence, integrity, and leadership ability.
As the government moves closer to appointing the new Pemra Chairman, all eyes remain on Islamabad to see who will lead Pakistan’s most influential media regulatory authority into a new era of transparency, modernization, and credibility.
Read More: Stem cell IVF scam in Pakistan
