ISLAMABAD (April 27 2007): The National Assembly on Thursday admitted seven adjournment motions to debate on the show-cause notice to Aaj Television by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra), that was termed as a move to stifle media freedom.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sher Afgan Niazi opposed the motions saying that he was not prepared for a debate, as the Cabinet Division did not inform him about the adjournment motions. Opposition parties and journalists walked out against targeting media and journalists for reporting the crisis.

Raja Pervaiz Ashraf of PPPP, Liaquat Baloch of MMA and Tehmina Daultana of PML-N led their parties out of the House after denouncing Pemra for hurling threats to media organisations and journalists. The PPP General Secretary denounced that journalists are being threatened and TV channels such as Aaj television, Royal TV and others are targeted.

However, Dr Sher Afgan said that Pemra bill was adopted by both the houses and was finalised in consultation with all the stakeholders and incorporating their valid suggestions. The bill, he said, contains no obnoxious clause but implementers could make mistake.

Ghulam Sarwar told the House that Aaj Television was served a show cause notice and Royal TV transmissions were disconnected by Pemra assuring that he would take up the matter with both the Information Ministry and the regulator. Chaudhary Amir Hussain clubbed all the adjournment motions and admitted them for debate, may be taken today (Friday).
Source: Business Recorder
Date:4/27/2007