NA passes Pakistan Airports Authority Bill, Pakistan CAA Bill, 2022
Islamabad_In a bid to strengthen media regulation and safeguard the rights of journalists and media workers, the information ministry has prepared the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) Law Amendment Bill 2023.
The proposed bill is set to be presented in the farewell session of the National Assembly (NA) for approval, as per sources.
One of the major highlights of the proposed amendments is the provision to enable journalists and media workers to file grievances related to issues like non-payment of salaries.
To ensure prompt payment of salaries, the proposed amendment binds media owners to pay salaries within 60 days, failing which television (TV) channels will be deprived of official advertisements.
The bill also seeks to combat the spread of fake news and disinformation.
It introduces clear definitions for fake news and disinformation, aiming to promote responsible and truthful reporting.
Under the new law, TV channels will be required to adhere to a code of conduct that includes refraining from broadcasting disinformation.
The definition of disinformation, as per the proposed bill, encompasses information that is unverifiable, misleading, or fabricated. Additionally, any information given with the intention of harassment for personal, political, or financial gain will also be considered disinformation.
News without version of the involved parties will also fall under the definition of disinformation.
Furthermore, the proposed amendment establishes a Council of Complaints in Islamabad and provinces, consisting of a chairman and five members, with a tenure of two years.
These councils will be responsible for addressing grievances filed by media employees and journalists.
To ensure compliance with the code of conduct, the bill proposes hefty fines of up to Rs1 million for violations and up to Rs10 million for serious violations by media channels.
The proposed bill also suggests the inclusion of representatives from the Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) and Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) in the council.
While,
The National Assembly passed the Pakistan Airports Authority Bill, 2022, and the Pakistan Civil Aviation Bill, 2022, after a thorough clause-by-clause reading and the incorporation of necessary amendments.
The bills marked a crucial step towards revitalizing the national flag carrier and ensuring compliance with international standards.
Minister for Aviation Khawaja Saad Rafique on Thursday underscored the pressing need to restructure Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to tackle its staggering deficit which remained at Rs. 80 billion this year.
Speaking here at National Assembly after moving the Pakistan Airports Authority Bill, 2022, and the Pakistan Civil Aviation Bill, 2022, he said both aimed at fulfilling international requirements and PIA services will be restored to various countries including the United States, Europe, and Britain.
The primary focus of these bills is to ensure that the regulatory body and airport authority operate independently, thereby eliminating any concerns about layoffs within the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
He warned that if immediate reforms are not adopted, this deficit may escalate further in the coming days.
The minister adamantly rejected rumors of downsizing within the aviation department and clarified that no CAA employee will face unemployment due to the restructuring efforts.
He emphasized that these measures were intended to benefit overseas Pakistanis and their families, who often bear the burden of exorbitant fares on other airlines.
He said that a statement from the former federal minister created problems for PIA, assuring that all audits and tests have been successfully cleared, demonstrating their commitment to transparency and accountability.
Regarding the outsourcing of airports, the minister clarified that outsourcing does not equate to privatization.
Citing examples from other countries, including India, he stated that outsourcing aims to improve airport operations through the engagement of proficient operators.
Khawaja Saad Rafique pointed out that even Madina Airport has been successfully outsourced for enhanced services.
