Islamabad: A meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting was held at the Press Council of Pakistan under the chairmanship of Member National Assembly and Committee Chairman, Mr. Pullain Baloch. The meeting witnessed an in-depth and serious discussion on press freedom, alleged pressure on one of the country’s most prominent and long-established newspapers, and the severe financial, administrative, and technical challenges being faced by the Press Council of Pakistan (PCP).
During the meeting, Members of the National Assembly unanimously expressed concern that if the prevailing situation continues, it would cause irreparable damage not only to free and responsible journalism but also render the country’s sole print media regulatory body ineffective. The members emphasized that in a democratic society, free media serves as a bridge between the state and the public, and weakening this bridge is tantamount to weakening the democratic structure itself.
They warned that attempts to control the media through financial, administrative, or policy pressure are not only contrary to the constitutional spirit of freedom of expression but could also harm Pakistan’s democratic image at the international level.
Pressure on a Leading Newspaper and Shrinking Space for Dissent
Committee members particularly raised questions over repeated complaints, official notices, and administrative actions against a well-known and long-established national newspaper.
According to the members, targeting a major media organization sets a dangerous precedent for the entire media sector.
MNA Kiran Imran Dar, while speaking in the meeting, stated that the withdrawal of government advertisements, termination of journalists, and interference in editorial decisions are clear violations of the fundamental principles of press freedom. She noted that financially weakening media organizations to silence their voices is a dangerous trend that could eventually target any critical voice. She warned that if one newspaper is under pressure today, another may face the same situation tomorrow.
Asiya Naz Tanoli stressed that news reporting and opinion writing must be viewed separately. She said that disagreement with an editorial opinion or column should not become the basis for legal or administrative action. According to her, criticism is the essence of democracy, and suppressing critical opinions would eliminate the culture of dialogue and tolerance in society.
Historical Censorship and Democratic Concerns
Referring to past eras, MNA Mehtab Akbar Rashdi said that Pakistan has already suffered the consequences of strict censorship, newspaper closures, and actions against journalists. She cautioned that pushing the country back toward those policies would be unwise. She added that silencing credible and experienced newspapers severely undermines public trust in state institutions.
MNA Sehar Kamran stated that journalists should not be held responsible for publishing interviews or facts that may be uncomfortable for authorities or powerful circles. She emphasized that if a report contains inaccuracies, it should be challenged with facts and evidence rather than through pressure, threats, or suspension of advertisements. She added that tolerance of dissenting views is the hallmark of a mature democracy.
Press Council’s Financial Crisis
During the meeting, officials of the Press Council of Pakistan admitted that the institution is facing a severe financial crisis. They informed the committee that office rent had not been paid for several months, resulting in repeated lockouts by the building management. As a consequence, staff members were forced to sit outside the office, and the council had to seek legal protection from the courts to prevent eviction.
Committee members termed the situation deeply regrettable and embarrassing. They questioned how an institution unable to meet its basic operational needs could effectively enforce media ethics and regulatory standards.
Syed Amin Ul Haque described the current state of the Press Council as a reflection of prolonged institutional neglect. He questioned how effective oversight could be expected when rent and salaries were not being paid on time. He strongly called for immediate financial assistance and the establishment of a sustainable funding mechanism.
Staff Issues and Administrative Mismanagement
Rana Ansar spoke in detail about the issues faced by the council’s staff, including non-payment of rent, delays in salaries, lack of promotions, absence of medical facilities, and unclear pension and benefits systems. She emphasized that an institution can not perform effectively if it fails to provide security and welfare to its employees.
Members also raised concerns over recent hiring practices, vacant positions, and non-transparent salary structures. According to the committee, responses from officials were unclear and incomplete, raising serious questions about administrative transparency.
Technical Weaknesses and Digital Gaps
The meeting also highlighted the technical shortcomings of the Press Council of Pakistan. Members stated that in the modern era, effective media regulation requires robust digital monitoring systems, data analysis tools, and a strong online presence—areas where the Press Council significantly lags behind.
Council officials themselves admitted that they lack modern software, digital complaint management systems, and effective social media monitoring tools. They informed the committee that online platforms for engagement with the public and media organizations are limited, causing delays in complaint resolution.
Performance Claims and Members’ Reservations
Defending its performance, the Press Council informed the committee that more than 1,500 newspapers across the country have been registered, and hundreds of complaints have been addressed, including the issuance of notices over ethical violations. However, members questioned how a financially weak institution facing an administrative crisis could effectively enforce media standards nationwide.
The committee stressed that if the Press Council is used selectively or unevenly, it risks becoming a tool of control rather than a protector of press freedom.
Call for Immediate Reforms
At the conclusion of the meeting, members unanimously called for immediate reforms. These included ensuring permanent and adequate funding for the Press Council, provision of modern technology, transparent service rules, staff welfare, and institutional autonomy.
Members reiterated that while freedom of expression carries responsibility, it must not be curtailed through financial pressure, administrative obstacles, or selective accountability. The committee reaffirmed its commitment to transforming the Press Council into a strong, independent, and effective institution capable of promoting ethical journalism, safeguarding professional standards, and restoring public trust—rather than suppressing journalistic voices.
The meeting was attended by MNAs Kiran Imran Dar, Asia Naz Tanoli, Shaheen, Mehtab Akbar Rashdi, Sehar Kamran, Amin Ul Haque, Rana Ansar, Romina Khurshid Alam, Kiran Haider, the Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, PCP Chairman Arshad Khan Jadoon, the Director General PBC, and senior officers of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and its attached departments.
