Pakistan’s Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) successfully resolved a record 637 complaints concerning broadcast content and wage issues over the past two years. This achievement, announced during the 121st meeting of PEMRA’s Islamabad Council of Complaints, marks the highest number of cases disposed of by any Council since PEMRA was established.

The meeting, chaired by Syed Muhammad Ali, was the first for the newly reconstituted Council of Complaints Islamabad, which the federal government appointed on July 20. The session took place at PEMRA’s headquarters, with council members Fauzia Shahid, Gauhar Zahid Malik, Dr. Surayya Kanwal Afridi, and Kaiwan Hamid Raja in attendance.

During the meeting, the Council Secretary provided a detailed briefing on the status of pending complaints, summarising the Council’s performance over the last two years. It was disclosed that through 38 meetings held during this period, the Islamabad Council of Complaints had managed to dispose of 637 cases, setting a new benchmark for complaint resolution.

The Council also reviewed progress on implementing its earlier recommendations and sought updates on holders of landing rights permissions and the distribution of foreign television channels across Pakistan’s broadcast networks. A key recommendation urged PEMRA to ensure that all distribution network operators strictly comply with Sections 19 and 19(2) of the PEMRA Ordinance (Amended), 2007. This measure aims to ensure that distributors carry only foreign television channels holding valid licences, thereby safeguarding public interest and promoting a fair media environment, and to strengthen oversight of both domestic and foreign electronic media content aired in Pakistan.

Additionally, the Council examined and decided on nine agenda items related to broadcast content.