“The PEMRA Ordinance 2002 as amended up-to-date by the PEMRA(Amendment) ACT, 2007 is published on this website for information purpose only and does not constitute a legal opinion or give rise to any liability on part of PEMRA. The readers are requested to consult the Official Gazette for professional use of the PEMRA Ordinance”
PAKISTAN ELECTRONIC MEDIA REGULATORY AUTHORITY ORDINANCE 2002
AS AMENDED BY THE
PAKISTAN ELECTRONIC MEDIA REGULATORY AUTHORITY (AMENDMENT) ACT, 2007
(ACT NO.II OF 2007)
AN ORDINANCE
to regulate electronic1 media in Pakistan
WHEREAS it is expedient to provide for the development of electronic2 media in order to -
(i) improve the standards of information, education and entertainment;
(ii) enlarge the choice available to the people of Pakistan in the media for news, current affairs, religious knowledge, art, culture, science, technology, economic development, social sector concerns, music, sports, drama and other subjects of public and national interest;
(iii) facilitate the devolution of responsibility and power to the grass-roots by improving the access of the people to mass media at the local and community level; and
(iv) ensure accountability, transparency and good governance by optimizing the free flow of information;
AND WHEREAS, the President is satisfied that circumstances exist which render it necessary to take immediate action;
NOW, THEREFORE, in pursuance of Proclamation of Emergency of the fourteenth day of October, 1999 and the Provisional Constitution Order No.1 of 1999 read with the Provisional Constitution (Amendment) Order No. 9 of 1999, and in exercise of all powers enabling him in that behalf, the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is pleased to make and promulgate the following Ordinance:-
PRELIMINARY
1. Short title, extent and commencement.— (1) This Ordinance shall be called the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority Ordinance, 2002.
(2) It extends to the whole of Islamic Republic of3 Pakistan.
(3) It shall come into force at once.
1 For Word Broadcast substituted by word “electronic” by PEMRA Amendment Act, 2007 (Act No.II of 2007). 2 Ditto. 3 Words “Islamic Republic of” inserted by PEMRA Amendment Act, 2007 (Act No.II of 2007).
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2. Definitions.- In this Ordinance, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context,-
(a) “advertisement” means a set of visual and audio messages for the projection of a product, service, or idea with the object of propagating sale, purchase or hire of the product, service or idea for creating other related effects;
(b) “Authority” means the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) established under section 3;
(c) “broadcast media” means such media which originate and propagate broadcast and prerecorded signals by terrestrial means or through satellite for radio or television and includes teleporting, provision of access to broadcast signals by channel providers and such other forms of broadcast media as the Authority may, with the approval of the Federal Government, by notification in the official Gazette, specify4;
(ca) “broadcast station” means physical, technical and software infrastructure for the operation of radio or television and also includes satellite uplinking from ground, repeaters and all such other accessories5;
(d) “broadcaster” means a person engaged in broadcast media except broadcast journalists not actively involved in the operation, ownership, management or control of the broadcast media6;
(da) “cable TV” means reception of broadcast and pre-recorded signals from different channels and their distribution to subscribers through a set of closed transmission paths7;
(e) “Chairman” means the Chairman of the Authority;
(ea) “Chairperson” means the head of a Council of Complaint8;
(f) “channel” means the set of frequencies that a broadcast station occupies for broadcasting;
(fa) “channel provider” means a vendor who represents local or foreign channels and provides access of their signal to a distribution service;9
(g) “company” means a company as defined in the Companies Ordinance 1984 (XLVII of 1984);
(h) “copyright” means copyright as defined in the Copyright Ordinance 1962 (XXXIV of 1962);
(ha) “Distribution Service” means a service which receives broadcast and pre-recorded signals from different channels and distributes them to subscribers through cable, wireless or satellite options and includes Cable TV, LMDS, MMDS, DTH and such other similar technologies;10
4 Amended by PEMRA Amendment Act, 2007 (Act No.II of 2007). 5 Definition of “broadcast station” inserted by PEMRA (Amendment) Act, 2007 (Act No.II of 2007). 6 Words “except broadcast journalists not actively involved in the operation, ownership, management or control of the broadcast media” inserted by PEMRA Amendment Act, 2007 (Act No.II of 2007). 7 Inserted by PEMRA Amendment Act, 2007 (Act No.II of 2007). 8 Ditto. 9 Ditto. 10 Ditto.
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(hb) “DTH” means Direct to Home distribution of audiovisual signals received via satellite to small dish antennas across the foot-print of the satellite to subscribers;11
(hc) “electronic media” includes the broadcast media and distribution services12;
(i) “foreign company” means a company or body corporate organized, and registered under the laws of a foreign government;
(j) “frequency” means the frequency of the electromagnetic wave number measured in Hertz per second and used for transmission;
(k) “FAB” means the Frequency Allocation Board established under section 42 of the Pakistan Telecommunication (Reorganization) Act, 1996 (XVII of 1996);
(ka) “illegal operation” means the broadcast or transmission or distribution of, or provision of access to, programmes or advertisements in the form of channels without having a valid licence from the Authority13;
(kb) “LMDS” means local multipoint distribution service to transmit audio-visual signals through wireless devices, on a higher frequency range for the provision of cable television service;14
(l) “media enterprise” means an enterprise concerned with the publication of a printed newspaper or a broadcast media or distribution service15;
(la) “MMDS” means multi-channel multi-point distribution service to transmit audio-visual signals through wireless devices, to multiple subscribers, after receiving such signals from other channels of communication16;
(m) “licence” means a licence issued by the Authority to establish and operate a broadcast media or distribution service17;
(n) “licensee” means a person to whom the Authority has issued a licence;
(na) “newspaper” means a newspaper as defined by the Press, Newspapers, News Agencies and Books Registration Ordinance,2002 (XCVIII of 2002);18
(o) “member” means a member of the Authority;
(p) “national broadcaster” means the Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation, the Pakistan Television Corporation and the Shalimar Recording and Broadcasting Company;
(q) “PTA” means the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority established under the Pakistan Telecommunication (Reorganisation) Act, 1996 (XVII of 1996);
(r) “person” includes an individual, partnership, association, company, trust or corporation;
11 Ditto. 12 Ditto. 13 Ditto. 14 Ditto. 15 Words “a broadcast media or distribution service” inserted by PEMRA (Amendment) Act, 2007 (Act No.II of 2007). 16 Definition of MMDS inserted by PEMRA (Amendment) Act, 2007 (Act No.II of 2007). 17 Words “a broadcast media or distribution service” inserted by Inserted by PEMRA (Amendment) Act, 2007 (Act No.II of 2007). 18 Definition of “Newspaper” inserted by PEMRA (Amendment) Act, 2007 (Act No.II of 2007).
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(s) “prescribed” means prescribed by the rules or regulations19 made by the Authority;
(t) “programme” means the systematic broadcasting of visual or sound images by a broadcast station but does not include an advertisement;
(ta) “regulations” means the regulations made under this Ordinance;20 . (u) “rules” means the rules made under this Ordinance;
(v) “Teleport” means a facility with installed equipment used or required in the process of uplinking or downlinking of audio-visual programmes and signals between an earth station and a satellite; and21
(w) “uplinking” means transmission of audio-video signal from ground transmission facility to a satellite, in order to transmit any programme within or outside Pakistan.22
3. Establishment of the Authority.- (1) As soon as may be, after the commencement of this Ordinance, the Federal Government shall, by notification in the Official Gazette, establish an authority to be known as the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) for carrying out the purposes of this Ordinance.
(2) The Authority shall be a body corporate having perpetual succession and a common seal with powers subject to the provision of this Ordinance to hold and dispose of property by the said name, sue and be sued.
(3) The principal office of the Authority shall be at Islamabad and it may set up offices at such place or places in the country as it may deem appropriate.
(4) No act or proceeding of the Authority shall be invalid by reason only of the existence of a vacancy in, or defect in the constitution of, the Authority.
4. Functions of the Authority23. (1) The Authority shall be responsible for regulating the establishment and operation of all broadcast media and distribution services in Pakistan established for the purpose of international, national, provincial, district, local or special target audiences.
(2) The Authority shall regulate the distribution of foreign and local TV and radio channels in Pakistan;
(3) The Authority may, by notification in the official Gazette, make regulations and also issue determinations for carrying out the purposes of this Ordinance.
5. Power of the Federal Government to issue directives. – The Federal Government may, as and when it considers necessary, issue directives to the Authority on matters of policy, and such directives shall be binding on the Authority, and if a question arises whether any matter is a matter of policy or not, the decision of the Federal Government shall be final
19 Word “Regulations” inserted by PEMRA (Amendment) Act, 2007 (Act No.II of 2007). 20 Definition of “Regulations” inserted by PEMRA (Amendment) Act, 2007 (Act No.II of 2007). 21 Definition of “Teleport” inserted by PEMRA (Amendment) Act, 2007 (Act No.II of 2007). 22 Definition of “Uplinking” inserted by PEMRA (Amendment) Act, 2007 (Act No.II of 2007). 23 Former Section 4 which read as “4. Functions of the Authority: The Authority shall be responsible for regulating the establishment and operation of all broadcast and CTV stations in Pakistan established for the purpose of international, national, provincial, district, local or special target audiences” substituted by PEMRA (Amendment) Act, 2007 (Act No.II of 2007).
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6. Members of Authority.- (1) The Authority shall consist of a Chairman and twelve24 members to be appointed by the President of Pakistan.
(2) The Chairman of the Authority shall be an eminent professional of known integrity and competence having substantial experience in media, business, management, finance, economics or law.
(3) Out of twelve25 members one shall be appointed by the Federal Government on full time basis and five shall be eminent citizens chosen to ensure representation of all provinces with expertise in one or more of the following fields: media, law, human rights, and social service. Of the five members from the general public, two members shall be women.
(4) Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Secretary, Interior Division, Chairman, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority and Chairman, Central Board of Revenue26 shall be the ex officio members.
(4A) The remaining two members shall be appointed by the Federal Government on need basis on the recommendation of the Chairman27.
(5) The members shall receive such fee and expenses for each meeting as may be prescribed28.
(6) A member, other than an ex officio member, shall be deemed to have vacated his office if he absents himself for three consecutive meetings of the Authority without the leave of the Authority.29
7. Tenure of members.- (1) The Chairman and members, other than ex officio members, unless earlier removed for misconduct or physical or mental incapacity, shall hold office for a period of four years and shall be eligible for re-appointment for a similar term or as the Federal Government may determine:
Provided that the Chairman and a member shall retire on attaining the age of sixty-five years.
Explanation.- For the purposes of this section the expression “misconduct” means conviction for any offence involving moral turpitude and includes conduct prejudicial to good order or unbecoming of a gentleman.
(2) The Chairman or a member may, by writing under his hand, resign his office.
8. Meetings of the Authority, etc. (1) The Chairman or, in his absence, the member elected by the members for the purpose, shall preside at a meeting of the Authority.
(2) One-third of the total members shall constitute a quorum for meetings of the Authority requiring a decision by the Authority.
24 Word “nine” substituted by word “twelve” by Inserted by PEMRA Amendment Act, 2007 (Act No.II of 2007). 25 Ditto. 26 For the words “Media Development, Secretary, Interior Division and Chairman Pakistan. Telecommunication Authority” the words and commas “Broadcasting, Secretary, Interior Division, Chairman, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority and Chairman, Central Board of Revenue” substituted by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act, 2007 (Act No.II of 2007). 27 New sub-Section 4-A inserted by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act, 2007 (Act No.II of 2007). 28 The words “, other than ex-officio members, shall participate in all meetings and” omitted by the inserted by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act, 2007 (Act No.II of 2007). 29 New sub-Section 6 inserted by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act, 2007 (Act No.II of 2007).
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(3) The members shall have reasonable notice of the time and place of the meeting and the matters on which a decision by the Authority shall be taken in such meeting.
(4) The decisions of the Authority shall be taken by the majority of its members present, and in case of a tie, the member presiding a meeting shall have a casting vote.
(5) All orders, determinations and decisions of the Authority shall be taken in writing and shall identify the determination of the Chairman and each member separately.
9. Remuneration, of Chairman and members.- (1) The Chairman and members shall be paid such emoluments as the President of Pakistan may determine and shall not be varied to their disadvantage during their term of office.
10. Chairman and members not to engage themselves in certain business, etc.- (1) The Chairman shall not, during his term of office, engage himself in any other service,
business, vocation or employment, or enter into the employment of, or accept any advisory or consultancy relationship with any person or entity engaged in applying for a licence from the Authority or operating a broadcast station established within the purview of the Authority or in providing services or products to the Authority on any of the projects, schemes, proposals or plans undertaken, executed or supervised by the Authority or any related undertaking of such aforesaid person or entity.
(2) The members shall not have any direct or indirect financial interest, or have any connection with any such person, entity or related undertaking as mentioned in sub-section (1) of this section associated in any way with the licensee of a broadcast station for so long as they are members and hold office.
11. Officers, employees, etc. – To carry out the purposes of this Ordinance, the Authority may, from time to time, appoint members of its staff, experts, consultants, advisers and other officers and employees on such terms and conditions as it may deem fit.
12. Officers, etc. deemed to be public servants. – The Chairman, members, members of its staff, other officers and employees of the Authority shall be deemed to be public servants within the meaning of section 21 of the Pakistan Penal Code (Act XLV of 1860).
13. Delegation.- The Authority may, by general or special order, delegate to the Chairman or a member or any member of its staff, or an expert, consultant, adviser, or other officer or employee of the Authority any of its powers, responsibilities or functions under this Ordinance subject to such conditions as it may by rules prescribe:
Provided that the delegation of such power shall not include the power to grant, revoke or cancel a broadcast media or distribution service licence except Cable TV.30
14. Fund.- (1) There shall be established a fund to be known as “PEMRA Fund” which shall vest in the Authority and shall be utilized by the Authority to meet charges in connection with its functions including payment of salaries and other remunerations to the Chairman, members, employees31, experts and consultants of the Authority.
(2) The Fund shall consist of.-
30 Inserted by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act, 2007 (Act No.II of 2007) in place of first and second proviso to Section 13 which read as “Provided that the delegation of such power shall not include the power to grant, suspend, revoke or cancel a broadcast licence Provided further that the rules made under this Ordinance shall specify use of delegated powers and shall be framed and enforced after promulgation of this Ordinance and before the notification of the establishment of the Authority”. 31 Word “servants” substituted for word “employees’ by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act, 2007 (Act No.II of 2007).
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(i) Seed money by the Federal Government;
(ii) fees for issuance and renewal of32 licences for establishing and operating broadcast or CTV stations;
(iii) loans obtained with the special or general sanction of the Federal Government;
(iv) foreign aid obtained with sanction of and on such terms and conditions as may be approved by the Federal Government; and
(v) all other sums received by the Authority from any other source.
(3) The Authority may open and operate one or more accounts in local, or foreign currency, in any scheduled bank
(4) The Authority may invest its funds in such investments as it may, from time to time, determine.33
15. Budget.- The Authority shall, in respect of each financial year, prepare its own budget and submit it to the Federal Government three months before the commencement of every financial year for information.
16. Accounts and Audit. – (1) The Authority shall maintain complete and accurate books of accounts of its actual expenses and receipts in such form as the Federal Government may, in consultation with the Auditor General of Pakistan, determine.
(2) The Authority shall cause to be carried out audit of its accounts by one or more auditors who are chartered accountants within the meaning of the Chartered Accountants Ordinance, 1961 (X of 1961).
(3) Notwithstanding the audit provided in sub-section (2) the Auditor-General shall have the power to audit or cause to be audited the accounts of the Authority.
17. Annual report. – The Authority shall compile and submit an annual report on its operations and accounts for each financial year to the President of Pakistan and shall also arrange for its publication and circulation to the media and the public.
18. Categories of licences34.- The Authority shall issue licences for broadcast media and distribution service in the following categories, namely:-
i. International and National scale stations;
ii. Provincial scale broadcast;
iii. Local Area or Community based Radio and TV Broadcast;
iv. Specific and specialized subjects;
v. Distribution services; and
32 Words “and renewal of” inserted by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act, 2007 (Act No.II of 2007). 33 Sub-section 4 inserted by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act, 2007 (Act No.II of 2007). 34 New Section 18 inserted by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act, 2007 (Act No.II of 2007) for the former Section 18.
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vi. Uplinking facilities including teleporting and DSNG.
(2) The Authority may further sub-categorize the categories specified in sub-section (1) as it may deem fit.
19. Licence to broadcast or operate.- (1)35 The Authority shall have exclusive right to issue licences for the establishment and operation of all broadcast media and distribution services, provided that this exclusive right shall be used by the Authority in conformity with the principles of fairness and equity applied to all potential applicants for licences whose eligibility shall be based on prescribed criteria notified in advance and that this shall be done through an open, transparent bidding process:
Provided that the bidding shall be held if the number of applications exceeds the number of licences to be issued by the Authority.
(2) No person shall engage in any broadcast media or distribution service36 except after obtaining a licence issued under this Ordinance.
(3) Every licence shall be subject to such terms and conditions as may be prescribed.
(4) The Authority shall have the power to determine number of licences to be issued in each category or sub-category and charge fees at such rates as the Authority may fix from time to time for the grant of a licence and for its annual renewal37.
(5) The Authority shall devise a Code of Conduct for programmes and advertisements for compliance by the licensees.38
20. Terms and conditions of licence.- A person39 who is issued a licence under this Ordinance shall-
(a) ensure preservation of40 the sovereignty, security and integrity of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan;
(b) ensure preservation of41 the national, cultural, social and religious values and the principles of public policy as enshrined in the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan;
(c) ensure that all programmes and advertisements do not contain or encourage violence, terrorism, racial, ethnic or religious discrimination, sectarianism, extremism, militancy, hatred, pornography, obscenity, vulgarity or other material offensive to commonly accepted standards of decency42;
(d) comply with rules made under this Ordinance;
35 New sub-Section (1) inserted by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act, 2007 (Act No.II of 2007) in place of the former sub-Section (1). 36 For the words “broadcasting or CTV operation” the words “any broadcast media or distribution service” substituted by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act, 2007 (Act No.II of 2007). 37 Former sub-Section 4 substituted by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act, 2007 (Act No.II of 2007). 38 New sub-Section 5 inserted by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act, 2007 (Act No.II of 2007). 39 For the words “broadcaster or CTV operator” the word “person” substituted by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act, 2007 (Act No.II of 2007). 40 For the word “respect” the words “ensure preservation of” substituted by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act, 2007 (Act No.II of 2007). 41 Ditto. 42 Former clause (c) replaced by new clause (c) by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act, 2007 (Act No.II of 2007).
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(e) broadcast, if permissible under the terms of its licence43, programmes in the public interest specified by the Federal Government or the Authority in the manner indicated by the Government or, as the case may be, the Authority, provided that the duration of such mandatory programmes do not exceed ten per cent of the total duration of broadcast or operation by a station in twenty-four hours except if, by its own volition, a station chooses to broadcast44 such content for a longer duration;
(f) comply with the codes of programmes and advertisements approved by the Authority and appoint an in-house monitoring committee, under intimation to the Authority, to ensure compliance of the Code45;
(g) not broadcast or distribute any programme or advertisement in violation of copyright or other property right;
(h) obtain NOC from Authority before import of any transmitting apparatus for broadcasting, distribution or teleporting operation46; and
(i) not sell, transfer or assign any of the rights conferred by the licence without prior written permission of the Authority.
21. Consultation with Provinces47: (1) The Authority shall, except where applications for the issuance of a licence relates to Islamabad Capital Territory, invite the comments of the Government of the Province concerned, with regard to the proposed location of the Radio, TV or MMDS station for which the application has been made, and if the concern Provincial Government has any reservation to the issuance of
43 Words “or distribute” substituted for the words “if permissible under the terms of its licence” by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007 (Act No.II of 2007). 44 Words “or distribute” omitted by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007 (Act No.II of 2007). 45 Words “and appoint an in-house monitoring Committee, under intimation to the Authority, to ensure compliance of the Code” inserted by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007 (Act No.II of 2007). 46 Former Clause (h) which read as “(h) obtain licence from the PTA and the FAB before import of any transmitting apparatus for broadcasting or CTV operation system; and” substituted by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007 (Act No.II of 2007). 47 Former Section 21 which read as: “21. Concurrence of Provinces: (1) The Authority, except where applications for the issue of licences relates to the Islamabad Capital Territory, shall invite a representative of the Government of the Province concerned with regard to the proposed location of the radio station or TV channel or CTV station for which the application has been made and shall consider the viewpoint of the concerned Provincial Government before taking a decision on the issuance, suspension, revocation or cancellation of a licence: Provided that where the Provincial Government objects to the issuance of a particular licence or its suspension, revocation or cancellation, the applicant shall be provided an opportunity to be present at the meeting of the Authority and afforded a public hearing with regard to the observations made by the Provincial Government. (2) Where the broadcast signal of a radio station or a TV channel or the CTV network has the potential to cover an area outside the limits of the Province in which the unit is proposed to be located, the Authorityshall invite one or more representatives from each of the four Provincial Governments to express their viewpoint, if any, on the inter-Provincial dimensions of the broadcast signal. (3) In applying the provisions of sub-section (2) the Authority shall ensure that the consultation with the Provincial Government or the Provincial Governments, as the case may be, is conducted with the objective of facilitating freedom of expression on the air waves within the framework defined by this Ordinance and shall ensure that no unreasonable delay occurs in the issuance of a licence and its utilization by the licensee merely on the grounds that the Federal Government and the Provincial Governments require unspecified time to fulfil their respective and related procedures” substituted by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act, 2007 (Act No.II of 2007).
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the licence, the Authority shall invite the representative of the Provincial Government and consider its viewpoint before taking a decision on the issuance of a licence:
Provided that where the Provincial Government objects to the issuance of a particular licence, the applicant shall be provided an opportunity to be present at the meeting of the Authority and given an opportunity of being heard with regard to the observations made by the Provincial Government.
(2) Where the signal of a radio, TV or MMDS station has the potential to cover an area outside the limits of the Province in which the unit is proposed to be located, the Authority shall invite one or more representatives from the concerned Provincial Governments to express their viewpoint, if any, on the inter-Provincial dimensions of the signal.
22 Duration for consideration of the application for a licence. The Authority shall take decision on the application for a licence within one hundred days from the receipt of the application.
23. Exclusion of monopolies.- (1) No person shall be entitled to the benefit of any monopoly or exclusivity in the matter of broadcasting or the establishment and operation of broadcast media or distribution service48 or in the supply to or purchase from, a national broadcaster of air time, programmes or advertising material and all existing agreements and contracts to the extent of conferring a monopoly or containing an exclusivity clause are, to the extent of exclusivity, hereby declared to be inoperative and of no legal effect.
(2)49 In granting a licence, the Authority shall ensure that open and fair competition is facilitated in the operation of more than one media enterprise in any given unit of area or subject and that undue concentration of media ownership is not created in any city, town or area and the country as a whole:
Provided that if a licensee owns, controls or operates more than one media enterprise, he shall not indulge in any practice which may impede fare competition and provision of level playing field.
24. Licence, application, issuance, refusal and validity.- (1)50 Any person desirous of obtaining a licence for establishment and operation of broadcast media or a distribution service shall apply to the Authority in such manner and form as may be prescribed.
(2) The Authority shall process each application in accordance with prescribed criteria and shall hold public hearings in the respective provincial capitals of each Province, or as the case may be, in Islamabad, before granting or refusing the licence.
(3) Each application shall be accompanied by such fee as the Authority may prescribe.
(4) A licence shall be valid for a period of five, ten or fifteen years subject to payment of the annual fee prescribed from time to time.
48 For the words “or CTV stations” the words “media or distribution service” substituted by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007 (Act No.II of 2007). 49 For the sub-section (2) which read as: “(2) In granting a licence, the Authority shall ensure that, as far as possible, open and fair competition is facilitated in the operation of more than one channel in any given unit of area or subject and that undue concentration of media ownership is not created in any city, town or area and the country as a whole by virtue of the applicant for a broadcast or CTV operation licence already owning or operating, as sole or joint shareholder of any other broadcast or CTV station, printed newspaper or magazine.” new sub-section (2) substituted by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007 (Act No.II of 2007). 50 For the sub-section (1) which read as: “(1) Any person desirous of obtaining a licence for broadcasting or operating a cable TV network and for establishment and operation of a broadcast station or CTV network shall apply to the Authority in such manner and form as may be prescribed.” new sub-section (1) substituted by the PEMRA (Amendement) Act 2007 (Act No.II of 2007).
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(5) The Authority may renew a licence on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed and in case of refusal to renew a licence reasons shall be recorded in writing.
25. Certain persons not be granted licence.- A licence shall not be granted to—
(a) a person who is not a citizen of Pakistan or resident in Pakistan;
(b) a foreign company organized under the laws of any foreign government;51
(c) a company the majority of whose shares are owned or controlled by foreign nationals or companies whose management or control is vested in foreign nationals or companies; or52
(d)53 any person funded or sponsored by a foreign government or organization.
26. Council of Complaints.- (1)54 The Federal Government shall, by notification in the Official Gazette, establish Councils of Complaints at Islamabad, the Provincial capitals and also at such other places as the Federal Government may determine.
(2) Each55 Council shall receive and review complaints made by persons or organizations from the general public against any aspects of programmes broadcast or distributed by a station56 established through a licence issued by the Authority and render opinions on such complaints.
(3) Each57 Council shall consist of a Chairperson58 and five members being citizens of eminence from the general public at least two of whom shall be women.
(3 A)59 The Councils shall have the powers to summon a licensee against whom a complaint has been made and call for his explanation regarding any matter relating to its operation.
(4) The Authority shall formulate rules for the functions and operation of the Councils within two hundred days of the establishment of the Authority.
(5) The Councils may recommend to the Authority appropriate action of censure, fine against a broadcast or CTV station or licensee for violation of the codes of programme content and advertisements as approved by the Authority as may be prescribed.
51 Word “or” at the end of clause (b) omitted by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007 (Act No.II of the 2007). 52 Word “or” at the end of clause (c) inserted by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007 (Act No.II of the 2007). 53 New clause (d) inserted by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007 (Act No.II of the 2007). 54 For the sub-section (1) which read as: “(1) The Federal Government shall establish a Council of Complaints, herein called the Council, with as many branches as necessary, within two hundred days of the establishment of the Authority;” new sub-section (1) substituted by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007 (Act No.II of the 2007). 55 The word “The” substituted by the word “Each” by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007 (Act No.II of the 2007). 56 For the words “by a station or CTV network” the words “or distributed by a station” substituted by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007 (Act No.II of the 2007). 57 For the word “The” substituted by the word “Each” by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007 (Act No.II of the 2007). 58 For the word “Chairman” the word “Chairperson” substituted by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007 (Act No.II of the 2007). 59 New sub-section (3A) inserted by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007 (Act No.II of the 2007).
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27. Prohibition of broadcast media or distribution service operation60:- The Authority shall by order in writing, giving reasons therefore, prohibit any broadcast media or distribution service operator from –
(a) broadcasting or re-broadcasting or distributing any programme or advertisement if it is of the opinion that such particular programme or advertisement is against the ideology of Pakistan or is likely to create hatred among the people or is prejudicial to the maintenance of law and order or is likely to disturb public peace and tranquility or endangers national security or is pornographic, obscene or vulgar or is offensive to the commonly accepted standards of decency; or
(b) engaging in any practice or act which amounts to abuse of media power by way of harming the legitimate interests of another licensee or willfully causing damage to any other person.
28. Suspension of broadcast media or distribution service61.- A broadcast media or distribution service62 operator shall not cease or suspend broadcasting except on account of force majeure or with the prior approval of the Authority.
29. Power to authorize inspection (1) The Authority may authorize any of its officers or its nominees to enter the premises of a broadcast media or distribution service63 operator for purposes of inspection64.
(2) A broadcast media station or distribution service premises65 shall, at all reasonable times, be open to inspection by an authorized officer under sub-section (1) and the licensee shall provide such officer with every assistance and facility in performing his duties.
(3) The authorized officer shall, within forty-eight hours of the inspection, submit his inspection report to the Authority.
(4)66 The Authority may authorize any of its officers to undertake investigation, in the manner it may prescribe, in any matter with regard to its functions and to seek any specific information, from any person, which the Authority may deem useful in order to enable it to determine and dispose of such matter.
(5) The Authority or as the case may be the Chairman, after issuing show cause notice to broadcast media or distribution service may seize its broadcast or distribution service equipment, or seal the premises, which is being used in contravention of the provisions of this Ordinance or the rules made thereunder or any other law:
60 For the section 27 which read as: “27. Prohibition of broadcasts or CTV operation: The Authority shall by order, giving reasons in writing for declaring the order, prohibit any broadcaster or CTV operator from broadcasting or re-broadcasting or distributing any programme if it is of opinion that such particular programme is likely to create hatred among the people or is prejudicial to the maintenance of law and order or likely to disturb public peace and tranquility or endangers national security.” new section 27 substituted by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007 (Act No.II of 2007). 61 Words “broadcasting or CTV” in marginal heading substituted by words “broadcast media or distribution service” by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007 (Act No.II of 2007). 62 The words “broadcasting or CTV” substituted by words “broadcast media or distribution service” by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007 (Act No.II of 2007) 63 For the words “broadcaster or CTV” the words “media station or distribution service premises” substituted by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007 (Act No.II of 2007). 64 Words “after giving reasonable notice” omitted by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007 (Act No.II of 2007). 65 For the words “broadcaster or CTV” the words “media station or distribution service premises” substituted by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007 (Act No.II of 2007). 66 Sub-section (4), (5) & (6) inserted by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007 (Act No.II of 2007).
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Provided that the equipment shall be returned to the holder of a valid licence after imposing on him such penalty as the Authority may determine.
(6) The Authority may, after the licensee has been, given reasonable opportunity to show cause, impose fine up to one million rupees on a licensee who contravenes any of the provisions of this Ordinance or the rules or regulations made thereunder.
29-A. Dues to be recovered as arrears of land revenue.67- All dues including outstanding licence fee, annual renewal fee or any other charges including fine as imposed by the Authority shall be recoverable as arrears of land revenue.
30. Power to vary conditions, suspend or revoke the licence68.- (1) The Authority may revoke or suspend the licence of a broadcast media or distribution service by an order in writing on one or more of the following grounds, namely:-
(a) the licensee has failed to pay the licence fee, annual renewal fee or any other charges including fine, if any;
(b) the licensee has contravened any provision of this Ordinance or rules or regulations made thereunder:
Provided that in the case of revocation of a licence of a broadcast media an opinion to this effect shall also be obtained from the Council of Complaints;
(c) the licensee has failed to comply with any condition of the licence; and
(d) where the licensee is a company, and its shareholders have transferred a majority of the shares in the issued or paid up capital of the company or if control of the company is otherwise transferred to persons not being the original shareholders of the company at the time of grant of licence, without written permission of the Authority.
(2) The Authority may vary any of the terms and conditions of the licence where it deems that such variation is in the public interest.
(3) Except for reason of necessity in the public interest a licence shall not be varied, suspended or revoked under sub-section (1) or (2) unless the licensee has been given reasonable notice to show cause and a personal hearing.
30A. Appeals69. Any person aggrieved by any decision or order of the Authority may, within thirty days of the receipt of such decision or order, prefer an appeal to the High Court:
67 Section 29A inserted by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007 (Act No.II of 2007). 68 Section 30 which read as: “30. Power to vary conditions, suspend or revoke the licence (1) The Authority may revoke or suspend the licence of a broadcaster or CTV operator on one or more of the following grounds, namely:- (a) the licensee has failed to pay the licence fee and charges; (b) the licensee has contravened any provision of this Ordinance or rules made thereunder and an opinion to this effect has been rendered by a Committee constituted by the Federal Government, comprising a nominee of the licensee, a nominee of the Authority and a retired judge of a High Court or the Supreme Court who shall be the Chairman of the Committee; (c) the licensee has failed to comply with any condition of the licence; and (d) if the shareholders of the licensee, being a company, have transferred the majority of their shares. (2) Except for reason of necessity in the public interest a licence shall not be suspended or cancelled under sub-section. (1) unless the licensee has been given reasonable notice to show cause.” substituted by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007 (Act No.II of 2007). 69 Section 30A inserted by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007 (Act No.II of 2007).
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Provided that PEMRA shall make available a copy of its decision or order of revocation of licence within twenty-four hours after decision to the licensee for referring an appeal to the High Court.
31. Uplinking Facilities70.- (1) No person shall carry out uplinking without a valid Teleport or Satellite TV licence from the Authority;
(2) The Authority may, subject to fulfillment of such conditions, as may be prescribed, issue permission in writing to any party to carry out temporary uplinking from a ground transmission facility to a satellite in order to transmit any programme within or outside Pakistan.
32. Power to grant exemptions.- The Authority may grant exemptions from any provisions of this Ordinance, where the Authority is of the view that such exemption serves the public interest and the exemptions so granted shall be supported by recording the reasons for granting such exemptions in writing provided that the grant of exemptions shall be based on guidelines and criteria identified in the Rules and that such exemptions shall be made in conformity with the principles of equality and equity as enshrined in the Constitution.
33. Offences and penalties.- (1) Any broadcast media or distribution service71 operator or person who violates or abets the violation of any of the provisions of the Ordinance shall be guilty of an offence punishable with a fine which may extend to ten72 million rupees.
(2) Where such broadcast media or distribution service73 operator or person repeats the violation or abetment, such person shall be guilty of an offence punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.
(3) Where the violation, or abetment of the violation of any provision of this Ordinance is made by a person who does not hold a licence, such violation shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to four years, or with fine, or with both, in addition to the confiscation of the equipment used in the commission of the act74.
(4)75 Whosoever damages, removes, tampers with or commits theft of any equipment of a broadcast media or distribution service station licensed by the Authority, including transmitting or broadcasting apparatus, receivers, boosters, converters, distributors, antennae, wires, decoders, set-top boxes or multiplexers shall be guilty of an offence punishable with imprisonment which may extend to three years, or with fine, or both.
33A76. The Officers of Federal, Provincial and Local Government to assist Authority.- The officers of Federal Government, Provincial Governments and Local Governments including the Capital Territory Police and the Provincial Police shall assist the Authority and its officers in the discharge of their functions under the provisions of this Ordinance and the Rules and Regulations made thereunder.
70 Former Section 31 which read as: “31. Powers to issue certificate: The Authority shall issue the necessary certificates and documentation to the broadcast station or CTV network to conduct up-link between a groundtransmission facility and a satellite in order to transmit any programme content for broadcast purposes within or outside Pakistan.” substituted by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007 (Act No.II of 2007). 71 For the words “broadcaster or CTV” words “broadcast media or distribution service” substituted by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007 (Act No.II of 2007). 72 For word “one” word “ten” substituted by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007 (Act No.II of 2007). 73 For the words “broadcaster or CTV” words “broadcast media or distribution service” substituted by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007 (Act No.II of 2007). 74 Words “, in addition to the confiscation of the equipment used in the commission of the act” inserted by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007 (Act No.II of 2007). 75 Sub-section 4 inserted by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007 (Act No.II of 2007). 76 Section 33A inserted by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007 (Act No.II of 2007).
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33B. Warrants for search.77- (1) Where on information furnished by the Authority, the Court has reason to believe that any unlicensed broadcast media or distribution service is being owned, controlled or operated or its equipment is being kept or concealed, it may issue a search warrant and the person to whom search warrant is directed, may enter the premises where such unlicensed broadcast media or distribution service is being owned, controlled, operated or provided or its equipment is being kept or concealed, or carry out search and inspection thereof and seize all or any equipment therein.
(2) Any equipment of a broadcast media station seized under sub-section (1) having no ostensible owner shall vest in the Authority.
34. Cases to be initiated on complaint.- No court shall take cognizance of any offence under sub- section (1) or (2) of section 33 of78 this Ordinance except on a complaint in writing by the Authority or any officer authorized by it.
34-A. Offences to be compoundable and cognizable79.- The offences under sub-section (3) and sub- section (4) of section 33 of this Ordinance shall be compoundable and cognizable.
35. Cognizance of offences etc.- (1) No court inferior to that of a Magistrate of the first class shall try an offence punishable under this Ordinance.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in section 32 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898), it shall be lawful for any Magistrate of the first class to pass any sentence authorized by this Ordinance even if such sentence exceeds his powers under the said section 32.
36. Offences by companies.- (1) Where any offence under this Ordinance has been committed by a person who at the time the offence was committed was in charge of, and was responsible to the company for the conduct of the business of the company as well as the company itself shall be deemed to be guilty of the offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.
(2) Where the person guilty of an offence under this Ordinance, is a company, corporation or firm, every director, partner and employee of the company, corporation or firm shall, unless he proves that offence was committed without his knowledge, or consent, shall be guilty of the offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.
37. Ordinance overrides other laws.- (1) The provisions of this Ordinance shall have effect notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any other law for the time being in force, or any contract, agreement or any other instrument whatsoever:
Provided that –
(a) the national broadcasters, namely the Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation shall continue to be regulated by the Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation Act 1973 (XXXII of 1973) and the Pakistan Television Corporation and Shalimar Recording and Broadcasting Company Limited shall continue to be administered under the provisions of the Companies Ordinance 1984 (XLVII of 1984); and
(b) other existing private broadcasters or CTV operators who had been granted respective monopolies in multi-modal distribution system, cable TV and in FM radio shall henceforth be regulated by this Ordinance except in respects where specific exemptions are granted by the Authority.
77 Section 33B inserted by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007 (Act No.II of 2007). 78 Words “sub-section (1) or (2) of section 33 of” inserted by the Section 33A inserted by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007 (Act No.II of 2007). 79 Section 34A inserted by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007 (Act No.II of 2007).
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38. Indemnity.- No suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding shall lie against the Federal Government or any Provincial Government or local authority or any other person exercising any power or performing any function under this Ordinance or for anything which is in good faith done or purporting or intended to be done under this Ordinance or any rule made thereunder.
39. Power to make rules.- (1) The Authority may, with the approval of the Government, by notification in the official Gazette, make rules to carry out the purposes of this Ordinance.
(2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the fore-going power, such rules may be provided for all or any of the following matters, namely:-
(a) to prescribe the forms for the licences for working, installing, operating, or dealing in transmission broadcast or distribution apparatus and the manner in which applications for the licences shall be granted;
(b) to prescribe the terms and conditions of the licence including fee to be charged in connection with the issuance of licences and related matters,80
(c) to prescribe standards and measures for the establishment of broadcast media stations, installation of broadcasting, distribution service or teleporting equipment, transmitters, receivers, boosters, converters, distributors and common antennae;81
(d)82 to prescribe terms and conditions for the broadcast media or distribution service operators who own, control or operate more than one media enterprise; and
(e)83 to define the circumstances constituting undue concentration of media ownership and abuse of powers and anti-competitive practices by media companies.
40. Removal of difficulties.- If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this Ordinance, the Authority may make such order, not inconsistent with provisions of this Ordinance, as may appear to it to be necessary for the purpose of removing the difficulty.
80 The word “and” omitted at the end by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007 (Act No.II of 2007). 81 For clause (c) which read as: “(c) to prescribe standards and measures for the establishment of broadcast or CTV stations, installation of broadcasting equipment, transmitters, receivers, boosters, converters, distributors and common antennae.” substituted by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007 (Act No.II of 2007). 82 Clause (d) inserted by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007 (Act No.II of 2007). 83 Clause (e) inserted by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007 (Act No.II of 2007).
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