Federal Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ataullah Tarar has emphasized the need for joint efforts to strengthen and secure Pakistan’s electronic media sector. Speaking during the question and answer session in the National Assembly on Thursday, Tarar highlighted the important role of electronic media in promoting responsible and accountable journalism.
He pointed out that electronic media institutions in Pakistan demonstrate compliance by regularly paying taxes and strictly adhering to the rules and regulations of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA). Tarar warned that a recession in the electronic media industry could lead to the spread of unregulated information, which may lack a structured code of conduct.
In a separate development in the National Assembly, Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq took a firm stance on maintaining decorum. He suspended PTI National Assembly member Iqbal Afridi for the session due to unacceptable aggressive and uncivil behavior towards junior assembly staff.
On the legislative front, the Assembly successfully passed two bills: the Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Conversion Act 2026 and the Pakistan Telecommunication Reorganization Amendment Bill 2025. These legislative measures are seen as steps towards structural reforms in their respective sectors.
The next meeting of the National Assembly is scheduled for tomorrow at 3 PM, where further discussions and legislative activities are expected.