PPP rejects PMDA, says Sherry Rehman

Islamabad: Demanding that the government shares the draft of the Pakistan Media Regulatory Authority (PMDA) bill with the parliament and the concerned parties, PPP Parliamentary Leader in the Senate, Senator Sherry Rehman said all media associations of the country have rejected this dictatorial law as this is just another attempt by the government to silence its critics.

“Even the EU has taken notice of the fact that no official text related to the PMDA has been made available. What exactly is the government trying to hide? This secrecy has made it obvious that the government is going to use this draconian law to muzzle the press. Everyone is aware of the fact that the government is putting curbs on the media to hide their own incompetence,” she added.

She questioned, “How can a law be passed without consulting the parliament? Instead of ensuring the protection and security of journalists, the government is hell bent on infringing their constitutional rights and controlling them. Pakistan is considered to be one of the most dangerous countries for journalists and Tabahi Sarkar is trying to create an even more hostile environment for journalists”.

“We strongly reject this crackdown on the media and press which is an outright violation of Article 19 and 19A. PPP vehemently opposes PMDA and will fully support the journalists and their protests against this unconstitutional law,” concluded Vice President PPP, Senator Sherry Rehman