Kuala Lumpur: Pakistan's broadcasting industry continues to grapple with significant challenges, particularly the spread of fake news, hate speech, misinformation, and disinformation. Executive director-general of Operations Broadcast Media at the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), Muhammad Tahir, emphasized the need for broadcasters to prioritize accuracy and verification before airing any information to the public to effectively counter these issues.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, while broadcasters in Pakistan enjoy considerable freedom, Muhammad stated that they are still bound by journalistic ethics, requiring them to provide fair coverage and comply with established codes of conduct. He stressed the importance of thorough verification of all news or information aired, particularly when sensitive topics are discussed, ensuring that all relevant parties have the opportunity to present their views.
Muhammad highlighted that Pakistan's Constitution guarantees freedom of speech, but certain restrictions are in place to safeguard national sovereignty and security, akin to regulations in many other countries. He noted that Pakistan currently has 142 satellite television channels, including 40 dedicated to news and current affairs, reflecting the country's rapidly expanding media landscape.
He further explained that PEMRA adopts a self-regulatory approach, encouraging broadcasters to evaluate their content before it goes on air. PEMRA is not a reactionary body, but rather urges license holders to ensure compliance with the code of conduct through their internal committees. For content disputes, PEMRA follows a structured complaint process, allowing both complainants and broadcasters the opportunity to present their arguments before a decision is made. This process ensures a fair hearing before any action is taken, reinforcing transparency and accountability within the media industry.
Muhammad concluded that as Pakistan's media sector continues to grow, the key challenge remains striking a balance between press freedom and ethical journalism. The ASEAN-Pakistan Media Exchange Programme, held from February 17 to 22, was organized by Pakistan's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting with support from the ASEAN Secretariat. The initiative brought together 23 journalists from ASEAN member states and Timor-Leste to foster media collaboration and strengthen regional ties.