ISLAMABAD: Mian Raza Rabbani, former Chairman Senate has termed the proposed Pakistan Media Regulatory Authority Ordinance 2021, as draconian law which surpasses the Press & Publication Ordinance, 1960 and subsequent Martial Law Regulations promulgated from time to time under military rule.
He rejected the Ordinance and proposed to regulate films, electronic, print & digital media including Web TV, OTTs, news websites, while repealing all the current media related laws.
The Ordinance, former Chairman Senate said, is in total violation of Articles 18, 19 & 19-A, of the constitution, as the regulations sought to be enforced on the media are not reasonable, he said. The press law makes it mandatory for all types of media to obtain license and to obtain a No Objection Certificate annually, he added.
He said that under this law the Authority can, without notice, ‘by reasons of necessity’ seize the equipment of a media station or seal its premises.
All media persons will be subject to trial before a media tribunal, with punishments up to 3 years imprisonment and Rs.25 million fine, Rabbani said, adding that the term of imprisonment provided in the Press & Publication Ordinance, 1960 and Martial Law Regulation – 33, was a maximum term of six months. Further, one forum of appeal i.e. the High Court has been taken away.
He said under this law media will not be able to ridicule the Head of State, persons of armed forces or legislatures or judicial organs of the state. It will also not be able to bring or hold a program or discussion on a matter which is sub-judice.
He termed it the blackest of black laws with a deliberate intent of crushing the media and all voices of dissent. This, along with the attack on academic freedom, students and intelligentsia, is a clear reflection that the present government seeks to impose a fascist rule in Pakistan, former Senate chairman added.
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