Bill to repeal tougher media laws on anvil
By Saad Saud

ISLAMABAD—Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Sherry Rehman Wednesday said the Federal Cabinet has accorded approval for repealing discriminatory PEMRA laws and a bill in this regard would be presented in the National Assembly session commencing Thursday. “Now the government would repeal all the discriminatory PEMRA laws to fulfill demand of the media and remove its all concerns,” she said.
In a joint press briefing with Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on second Federal Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, Sherry Rehman said PEMRA is a regulatory body to facilitate the electronic media which could be reconstituted to the satisfaction of all stakeholders. She said the Finance Minister gave a detailed briefing to Cabinet about the financial situation, inflation and crisis of electricity, water and Atta. Giving details about the meeting, she said the Prime Minister informed the Cabinet about important development including briefing by Chief of Army Staff on Swat and FATA situation. The Minister said the Prime Minister also informed about the observance of 29th anniversary of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and paid tributes to the late leader for his sacrifices for the people, democracy and the country.
She said the Prime Minister condemned the manhandling of Arbab Ghulam Rahim and Dr. Sher Afgan and told the Cabinet that he has already ordered immediate investigation into the incidents and action against culprits. She said the Prime Minister has also appealed to the people to remain peaceful and help the government in meeting the challenges facing the country.
The Minister also regretted Wednesday’s incidents of violence in Karachi and said according to reports seven persons have been killed in this violence. “Some elements were trying to undermine the democratic process and all those involved would be taken to task irrespective of their political affiliations,” she added.
Answering a question, the Minister said the government would provide adequate protection even to opposition leaders and in this regard pointed out that the Prime Minister responded positively to the request of Arbab Ghulam Rahim by ordering provision of police cover to him. Sherry Rehman told another questioner that the expenses of Prime Minister House have been reduced by 40 per cent and the Premier has asked all ministers to effect economy in their ministries.