Proposed Media Regulator Could Further Limit Pakistan's Press
Voice of America
WASHINGTON - A plan by Pakistan to streamline its media regulation bodies into one organization with expanded powers has raised concern among some journalists and analysts.
The country currently has more than a dozen separate agencies, but under a proposal first detailed in May, those bodies would be combined into one organization: the Pakistan Media Development Authority, or PMDA. The body, appointed by Pakistani authorities, would oversee broadcast, print and digital media; establish new boards to investigate complaints; and grant licenses. As part of the changes, authorities would abolish or reform current media laws to align with the new regulator. The proposal says the PMDA will remedy the current "fragmented" and "fractured" media regulatory environment, according to a copy of the PMDA concept paper shared with VOA.This handout photo released on June 2, 2024 shows South Korean military officers check unidentified objects believed to be North Korean trash from balloons that crossed the inter-Korea border, on a street in Seoul. In this photo provided by Jeonbuk Fire Headquarters, balloons with trash presumably sent by North Korea, hang on electric wires as South Korean army soldiers stand guard in Muju, South Korea, May 29, 2024.
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FILE - In this photo provided by Jeonbuk Fire Headquarters, balloons with trash presumably sent by North Korea hang on electric wires as South Korean army soldiers stand guard in Muju, South Korea, May 29, 2024. This photo provided by Incheon Fire Headquarters shows balloons with trash presumably sent by North Korea, in Incheon, South Korea, June 2, 2024.