Letter to PM Imran: IPI calls for withdrawal of PMDA 2021

ISLAMABAD: The International Press Institute (IPI), a global network of editors, media executives and leading journalists for press freedom in over 100 countries, in a letter to Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan, on Friday called for withdrawal of Pakistan Media Development Authority (PMDA) Ordinance 2021, says a press release.

The letter says that IPI is, extremely concerned over the Pakistan Media Development Authority (PMDA) Ordinance 2021 that his government has proposed, as IPI fears that implementation of this Ordinance will drastically curtail press freedom in the country.

The letters that while his government’s decision to appoint a committee to discuss the Ordnance with stakeholders is a positive move, IPI believes that the Ordnance itself should be withdrawn immediately, as there are sufficient mechanisms and processes available in the country to regulate the media and the PMDA will have a negative impact on the freedom of a vibrant and responsible media in Pakistan. “In our view the proposal to repeal all current media related laws including The Press Council Ordinance 2002, The Press, Newspapers, News Agencies and Books Registration Ordinance 2002, the Newspaper Employees, (Conditions of Services Acts) 1973, Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority Ordinance 2002 as amended by PEMRA Amendment Act 2007, and The Motion Pictures Ordinance 1979 and replace it with an umbrella Authority to regulate the media will go against the democratic norms that Pakistan should uphold as a democracy. Pakistan has signed and ratified the International Covenant on Civic and Political Rights therefore it should honour its commitment by allowing the media to function without interference. We are concerned that the creation of a regulatory body that does not contain sufficient guarantees for independence serious risks undermining press freedom.