Senate Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting Discusses Media Legislation, PTV Budget, and PECA Cases
Islamabad – The Senate Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting, chaired by Senator Ali Zafar, convened to deliberate on key legislative and administrative matters relating to the media sector. The meeting focused on the Prohibition of Unethical Advertisements Act, 2025, the Right of Access to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2023, financial concerns of Pakistan Television (PTV) and Radio Pakistan, and issues under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).
While discussing the Prohibition of Unethical Advertisements Act, Senator Afnan Ullah voiced concerns about the increasing display of content promoting gambling, alcohol, and inappropriate clothing on TV and social media. He cited the appearance of betting ads during international cricket matches and depictions of alcohol use in TV dramas as evidence of regulatory lapses. Senator Sarmad Ali highlighted the accessibility of gambling apps and proposed regulatory action by PTA or religious advisory mechanisms, along with the formation of a content monitoring body.
Senators raised questions about the implementation of existing PEMRA laws. Senator Pervaiz Rashid argued that penalties have failed to deter misconduct and cautioned against overregulation of cultural norms, especially regarding attire. Senator Afnan clarified that the legislation does not aim to target women. The Committee resolved to proceed with voting on the bill, with the Chairman Committee emphasizing the need for balance, avoiding draconian provisions or unwarranted police interference, and seeking the Minister for Information’s final position.
On the Right of Access to Information (Amendment) Bill, Senator Zarqa Suharwardy Taimur expressed serious concerns about government departments providing incomplete or selective data. Senator Ali Zafar supported the requirement for written justifications in cases of denial and endorsed the proposal to invite the Information Commissioner for further input. Senator Zarqa cited Scotland as a model where public institutions ensure transparency and timely responses.
The Committee also reviewed issues concerning the cinema industry. Ministry officials clarified that censor boards exist at both federal and provincial levels. Senator Pervaiz Rashid noted that despite numerous board members, film production remains low due to a lack of screening venues. He urged the government to invest in cinema infrastructure and suggested engaging the Ministry of Finance for film funding solutions.
Turning to administrative matters, the committee examined budget and staffing issues at PTV. Ministry officials reported that the Rs. 11 billion annual budget had been exhausted, with Rs. 8.5 billion consumed by salaries alone. Senator Ali Zafar questioned discrepancies between reports of salary payments and ground realities, and requested a future briefing on sustainable reforms. With 3,507 regular employees at PTV, the committee sought employment records from the past five years. Senator Sarmad Ali expressed concern over consistent losses and potential privatization.
Senator Waqar Mehdi raised alarm over the illegal occupation of Radio Pakistan buildings in Karachi and electricity theft through unauthorized connections. He called for inspections of Radio Pakistan properties outside Islamabad to assess conditions and prevent further encroachments.
Lastly, the committee addressed the registration of cases against journalists and social media activists under PECA. Senator Ali Zafar also observed that the Ministry of Information had failed to provide a report and that its request to the Ministry of Interior had gone unanswered. The Committee decided to summon the Interior Secretary in the next meeting for clarification.
The meeting was attended by Senators Pervaiz Rashid, Sarmad Ali, Jan Muhammad, Syed Waqar Mehdi, Dr. Zarqa Suharwardy Taimur, and senior officials from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and relevant departments.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
