The National School of Public Policy (NSPP) had the honor of hosting the Director General (DG) of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) for an informative session with the participants of the insert batch 2025.
The DG PEMRA was warmly received by the faculty and participants. During the session, he delivered an insightful briefing on the role, evolution, and legal framework of PEMRA. He began by providing a historical overview of the establishment of the authority, highlighting its inception in 2002 under the PEMRA Ordinance, with the core objective of regulating and facilitating the growth of electronic media in Pakistan. The DG elaborated on the key functions of PEMRA, including licensing of private broadcasters, content monitoring, and ensuring adherence to the Code of Conduct. He emphasized PEMRA’s role in maintaining a balance between freedom of expression and responsible broadcasting. Additionally, the DG discussed how the authority has evolved over the years to adapt to the rapidly changing media landscape, especially in the face of digital and social media challenges.
The participants were also briefed on PEMRA’s legal jurisdiction, its coordination with law enforcement and judicial institutions, and the regulatory mechanisms in place to address violations and public complaints. He shed light on various reforms introduced to improve transparency, stakeholder engagement, and content regulation in accordance with constitutional and democratic principles. The session concluded with a vibrant question-and-answer segment, during which the DG addressed various queries from the participants, ranging from media ethics to the future of regulation in a digital era. The visit was appreciated as a valuable learning experience, enriching the participants’ understanding of media governance in Pakistan.
