Measures being taken to empower Pemra: Firdous

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan on Thursday said that Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) government is taking measures to empower Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra).

She said that there is a need to bring improvement in the Pemra so that the organisation could play its role effectively and independently.

In a Pakistan Television program “Shochta Pakistan”, she said that Pemra should be a well organized and well equipped organisation to meeting the challenges of the world.

She said that in the past, political forces had been using PEMRA for halting any news story but PPP government after coming into power took many initiatives to empower the PEMRA in a proper manner.

The minister said that PEMRA would play vital role in addressing the complaints being brought to this organisation regarding violation of code of conducts of media.

Replying to a question, she said that Pakistan Information Department (PID) is playing role as bridge between the government and electronic and print media.

Replying to another question, she said that the government is not formulating any rules against the freedom of media.

Information Minister said that as many as 89 channels are functioning in the country and there is a serious need to restructuring PEMRA so that any complaints regarding violation of code of conducts of media could be addressed in an appropriate manner.

Dr Firdous said that media should display positive or constructive things and promote good image of Pakistan before the world.

She said that showing violence or releasing stories hurting someone sentiments through media should be avoided.

Replying to another question, she said that rules and regulation regarding media ethics or code of conducts would be formulated with the consensus of all stakeholders.

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