Shaken by lawyers and opposition movement, President General Pervez Musharraf has imposed fresh curbs on the electronic media , sparking protests from journalists, politicians and human rights activists all over the country.
The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Amendment) Ordinance (2007), issued by the president empowers PEMRA to take action on its own against television channels which violate rules.
The ordinance authorises PEMRA to confiscate the equipment of broadcasters and seal the premises without consulting the council of complaints.
The decree followed the controversial directives issued by the PEMRA on Saturday last barring television networks from airing talk shows and carrying out live coverage of events related to the judicial crisis.
The council was envisaged in the amendments passed in February last. The amendment increased the fine for violators to Rs10 million from existing Rs1 million.
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Just this week, President General Pervez Musharraf said the following while addressing a joint gathering of the officers of Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy at Air Headquarters Islamabad.
"Media is the powerful tool of accountability and its role is extremely important for portraying the positive image of the country."
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