Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA)

Since the liberalisation of the broadcast sector in Pakistan, broadcast media has grown exponentially. The regulations were introduced in 2002 to create an enabling environment for the existence of independent press in the country. The objective of independent press has not been achieved yet. This chapter highlights issues which have hampered the capacity of the media regulatory authority, PEMRA, in not meeting this target. Independent media is one of the important responsibilities of the governments which play a critical role in informing its citizens, increasing social interactions, and shaping democratic values. To achieve these objectives, the government of Pakistan, decided to liberalise airwaves of the country in 2002. The intent was to introduce a regulatory authority which designs a regulatory framework for issuing licenses for electronic media to the private sector. Hence, PEMRA was established through the PEMRA Ordinance, 2002.