Islamabad June 20, 2017: Standing Committee on Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage met in the Parliament House this afternoon under the chairmanship of Pir Muhammad Aslam Bodla, MNA.The Committee while discussing “The Protection of Journalists Bill. 2014”, directed Information and Broadcasting Division to complete consultation with the stakeholders and media organization without further delay as the legislation had already been delayed. The Committee was of the view that media persons and their families were vulnerable, therefore, measures from the State were imperative for their safely and welfare. The Committee deferred “The PEMRA (Amendment) Bill, 2017” till its next meeting, providing Members of the Committee, an opportunity to give their valuable input.

The Committee was not satisfied with the performance of Press Council of Pakistan (PCP) and directed to assert its authority provided under the PCP Law to check pervasive violation by print media. The Committee also sought details of suo moto actions initiated by PCP against print media. The Committee decided to hold another meeting on the working and performance of PCP.

The Committee expressed displeasure on the PTV Engineering department on non-competition of TV Transmission Boosters despite lapse of considerable time. The Committee asked the Secretary Information Division currently holding the charge of Managing Director (PTV) to inquire into the delay and identify the persons responsible for that inordinate delay causing loss to national exchequer and submit his findings to the Committee within one month.

The meeting was attended by MNAs; Malik Shakir Bashir Awan, Mr. Muhammad Tallal Chaudry, Mian Muhammad Farooq, Ms. Ghulam Bibi Bharwana, Ms. Parveen Masood Bhatti, Ms. Arifa Khalid Parvez, Malik Muhammad Aamir Dogar, Mr. Waseem Akthar Sheikh, Ms. Belum Hasnain, Mr. Murad Saeed, Dr. Muhammad Azhar Jadoon, Ms. Naeema Kishwer Khan, CH. Muhammad Tufail, Dr. Fouzia Hameed (Mover), Secretary Information and Broadcasting Division and heads of the concerned departments.