Federal Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb on Tuesday announced abolishing Pakistan Media Development Authority (PMDA), calling it a controversial body to suppress the voice of media.
Addressing the media in Islamabad, she said the freedom of expression is the right of every Pakistani, and it will not be curtailed.
She said PMDA, existing in any form, has been abolished and added that no parallel authority to Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) will exist.
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Marriyum said the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 Ordinance will be reviewed with all stakeholders.
The minister ruled out vengeance against any political opponent.
Marriyum Aurangzeb said that the black law of PMDA was aimed at suppressing the media’s voice. She claimed that the incumbent government will not restrict freedom of expression.
She recalled that PML-N strongly opposed Pakistan Media Development Regulatory Authority in the past.
Marriyum Aurangzeb said the incumbent government will try to get the Journalists Protection Bill implemented at the earliest.
The minister termed the last four years of the PTI government as the ‘dark period’ during which many people were laid off and journalists were barred from doing their programmes.
“The media people struggled with censorship,” she said. The minister added that society will run better with freedom of expression.
Marriyum Aurangzeb said President Dr Arif Alvi was acting as the president of PTI, not the country.
She informed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would address the nation in a couple of days.
