Even as confusion reigns among news channels regarding the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority’s (Pemra) latest directives, the regulator has begun the strict implementation of its recent orders to curtail coverage of all 72 banned organisations. Pemra issued directives on Nov 2, stating, “All satellite TV channels / FM radios are strictly directed not to give any kind of coverage to any proscribed organisation.” But in contrast with past practice, Pemra has also begun implementation on this decision through regular monitoring, which has left media professionals confused.
“We received an advisory from Pemra after the Sundar Industrial Estate incident asking us not to show footage of Falah-i-Insaniat Foundation (FIF) volunteers,” Dunya TV Director News Mohammad Usman told Dawn. “We are following the directives, but this will only add to the confusion in the long run,” he added. The confusion stems from the fact that in Lahore, FIF volunteers were seen working very closely with the authorities to rescue those trapped under the rubble of the fallen building. FIF is a welfare organisation affiliated with Hafiz Mohammad Saeed, leader of the Jamaatud Dawa (JUD). The JUD, FIF and Lashkar-e-Taiba have been placed on the list of proscribed organisations under a UN Security Council resolution. Media organisations argue that it is almost impossible to avoid showing FIF volunteers at work when they are operating shoulder to shoulder with official rescue workers. The problem, however, goes a little beyond this. Even the US State Department has questioned the blanket ban on 72 proscribed organisations and pointed out there is always a careful balance that needs to be maintained between preventing the spread of hatred and allowing free expression. The problem appears to stem from what many media experts term the unprofessional management of Pemra since it was set up in March 2002. They argue that it has consistently struggled to fulfil its responsibilities due to the appointment of government officials who have no background in the media as the chairman of the body. The authority has in fact been rather bizarrely run by retired or serving officials from the police service of Pakistan since 2002. It is hard to see what understanding an individual trained in police work could have of the often sensitive complexities that the media routinely handles. The Supreme Court has on several occasions taken note of the fact that Pemra is violating its own ordinance which states the chairman should have ‘substantial experience in media’ besides laying down other conditions for his appointment. In December 2012 the Supreme Court removed an acting chairman of Pemra on the grounds that his appointment was a violation of the ordinance. The appointment of Absar Alam, an experienced journalist, as the new chairman of Pemra may improve matters. But there is a great deal to be done. Pemra needs to clarify its own policies. Most importantly, it needs to work with the media in a cooperative role. The fact that it has in the past been unable to enforce its own orders indicates the need for this. It is also important that media bodies across the country draw up their own strategies and devise a workable code of conduct which can prevent any promotion of organisations banned under the law but still allow the electronic media to bring active information to people.
pk.shafaqna.com
