Role of PEMRA in Media Regulation in Pakistan

Abstract

PEMRA is the regulatory body that is important in regulating and controlling the electronic media arena in Pakistan. It was founded based on the PEMRA Ordinance 2002, whose main aim is to enhance the quality of information, learning, and entertainment using a free, fair, and responsible media. PEMRA has the role of issuing licenses, content monitoring, and legal and ethical compliance. It also intervenes to prevent hate speech, fake news, and content that can damage national interest or the morality of people. Although it is of regulatory significance, PEMRA has been targeted by critics on its impartiality as well as its perceived censorship of dissenting voices, which has led to the issue of press freedom. However, PEMRA remains one of the key players in informing the way media is discussed in Pakistan because of its efforts to focus on freedom of expression and responsible journalism. This paper examines the legal environment of PEMRA and the tools it has to implement law enforcement, and the difficulty in regulating a fast-changing world of media.

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