We've all heard about the new and controversial code of conduct for the electronic media, which all broadcasters have to agree to if they are to continue to operate. This new code of conduct is actually an amendment to the existing PEMRA Ordinance of 2002. The amendments call for severe new restrictions on the freedom of speech. Some of the more egregious stipulations of the new code of conduct are that broadcasters:
(j) not broadcast video footage of suicide bombers, terrorists, bodies of victims of terrorism, statements and pronouncements of militants and extremist elements and any other act which may, in any way, promote, aid or abet terrorists activities or terrorism;
(k) ensure that no anchor person, moderator or host propagates any opinion or acts in any manner prejudicial to the ideology of Pakistan or sovereignty, integrity or security of Pakistan.
(l) not broadcast any programme inciting violence or hatred or any action prejudicial to maintenance of law and order;
(m) not broadcast anything which defames or brings into ridicule the Head of State, or members of the armed forces, or executive, legislative or judicial organs of the state;
(n) not broadcast any programme or discussion on a matter which is sub-judice; and
(o) not broadcast anything which is known to be false or baseless or is malafide or for which there exist sufficient reasons to believe that the same may be false, baseless or malafide.
The penalty for violating these stipulations are up to three years in jail and Rs. 10 million in fines. Note that the ordinance also allows for penalties for cable providers, for up to one year in jail and Rs. 1 million in fines.
This new code of conduct effectively eliminates freedom of speech, because it prohibits any speech that is at all critical of the government (defined in its broadest sense, including of course the military as well).
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