THE PAKISTAN ELECTRONIC MEDIA REGULATORY AUTHORITY ORDINANCE, 2002

Page 1 of 21

THE PA K I S T AN ELE C T R O NIC M E DIA R EG U L A TO RY

AU THO RI T Y O RDINANC E , 2002

CONTENTS

10. C h ai r m an a n d m e m b er s n ot to e n gage t he m s e lv e s in c e r tain b u s i n e ss , etc .

Page 2 of 21

2 9 A. Imposition of fine

30 A. A pp e als

33 A. O f f i ce r s o f F e d er al, P r ovi nc ial a n d L o c al G ov e r n m e n t s to assist A u t h o r ity

33 B. Wa r r a n ts f or s e a r c h

Page 3 of 21

Page 4 of 21

THE P A K IS T AN ELE C T R O NIC M E DIA R EG U L A TO RY AU THO RI T Y

O RDINANC E , 2002.

OR D I N A N C E NO. X III OF 2002

[ 1st March, 2002 ]

AN

O RDINANCE

to r e g u la te
1
[ e l ec tron i c] m e dia in P a kis t a n

W HEREAS it is e x p e di e nt to pro v ide f or the d e v e lop me nt o f
1
[ e l e c tron i c] m e dia in ord e r to ⸺

(i) i m pro v e the st a n d a rds of i n f or ma t ion, e d u c a ti o n a nd e n t e r t a in m e nt;

2
[ (ii) e n l a r g e the c h o i c e a v a il a ble to the p e o p le o f P a ki s t a n in the me d ia f or authentic

n e ws, c urr e nt a ff a irs, r e li g ious knowl e d g e , tolerance, a rt, c ultur e , s c i e n c e , t ec hnolo gy ,

ec ono m ic and energy d e v e lop me nt, s o c i a l s e c tor c on c e rns, m us i c , s ports, dr am a ,

children content a nd ot h e r subj e c ts of pu b lic a nd n a ti o n a l in t e r e s t ; ]

(iii) f ac i li t a te t h e d e v olu t ion of r e spo n sibi l ity a nd pow e r to t h e g r a s s - roots by i m pro v i n g

the a c c e ss of the p e op l e to m a ss m e dia a t t h e l o c a l a n d c o mm unity l e v e l;
2
[*]

(i v ) e nsure acc ou n t a b i li ty , tr a nsp a r e n c y a nd g ood g o v e rn a n c e by opti m i z i ng the f r e e f low

o f in f or m a tion;

2
[(v) ensure timely payment of salary to the electronic media employees working with the

licensee of the Authority; and]

2
[ (vi) ensure fair, transparent, and independent rating to broadcasters for their TV

channels.]

AND W HEREAS , the P r e si de nt is s a ti s f i e d th a t c ir c u m s t a n c e s e xi s t whi c h r e n d e r it n e c e s s a ry

to t a ke i m me d i a te a c tion;

NO W , THE R E F O R E , in pursu a n c e of P ro c l am a t ion of E me r g e n c y of the f ourt ee n th d a y of

O c tob e r, 1999 a nd the P ro v ision a l C onstitution Ord e r No.1 of 1999 r ea d w i th the P r o v ision a l

C onstitution (A me nd me nt) Ord e r No. 9 of 1999, a nd in e x e r c i s e of a l l p ow e rs e n a bling him in

th a t b e h a l f , t h e P r e s i d e nt of t h e Is l am i c Re p ublic o f P a kis t a n is pl e a s e d to m a k e a n d pro m ul g a te

the f ollowing Ordin a n c e : ⸺

PRELIMINARY

( 1 ) This Ordin a n c e sh a l l be ca l l e d t h e

P a kis t a n El e c tronic M e d i a Re g ul a tory Authori t y O rdin a n ce , 2002.

(2) It e xt e nds to t h e who l e of
3
[ Isl a m ic Re pub l ic o f ] P a kis t a n.

(3) It sh a ll c o m e into f o r c e a t o n ce .

1
S ubs. by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Amdt.) Act, 2007 ( Act II of 2007 ) , s. 2 , for “broadcast”.

2
Subs . omitted and added by Act LXI of 2023, s.2.

3
I ns. by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Amdt.) Act, 2007 ( Act II of 2007 ) , s . 3 .

Page 5 of 21

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;

1
[ (c) “ broadcast media” means such media which originate and propagate broadcast and

pre- recorded sig n als by terrestrial means or through satellite for radio or

television and includes teleporting, provision of access to broadcast signals

by channel providers and s u ch other forms of broadcast media as the A uthority

ma y , with the approval of the Federal Government, by notification in the o f ficial

Gazette, specify;]

1
[( ca) “ b roadcast 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 accessories;]

(d) “broadcaster” means a person engaged in broadcast media
1
[ e xcept broadcast

journalists not a c tively involved in the operation, ownership, management or

control of the broadcast media ] ;

1
[ (da) “ C able TV” means reception of broadcast and prerecorded signals from

di f ferent channels and their distribution to subscribers through a set of closed

transmission paths;]

(e) “Chairman” means the Chairman of the Authority;

1
[( ea) “Chairperson” means the head of a Council of Complaint;]

(f) “channel” means the set of frequencies that a broadcast station occupies for

broadcasting;

1
[ (fa) “ c hannel provider” means a vendor who represents local or foreign channels

and provides access of their signal to a distribution service;]

(g) “company” a company as defined in the Companies
2
[Act, 2017 (XIX of 2017)] ;

(h) “ c opyright” means copy r ight as defined in the Copyright Ordinance , 1962

(XXXIV of 1962) ;

2
[(ha) “disinformation” means ve ri fiably false, misleading, manipulated, created or

fabricated information which is disseminated or shared with the intention to cause

harm to the reputation of or to harass any person for political, personal, or financial

interest or gains without making an effort to get other person's point of view or not

1
S ubs. and Ins. by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Amdt.) Act, 2007 ( Act II of 2007 ) , s . 4 .

2
Subs. and Ins. by Act LXI of 2023, s.3.

Page 6 of 21

giving it proper coverage and space but does not include misinformation; ]

1
[
2
[(haa)]“ d istribution service” means a service which rec e ives broadcast and

pre-recorded signals from di f ferent cha n nels and distributes them to subscribers

through cable, wireless or sat e llite options and includes Cable T V , LM D S, MMDS,

DTH and such other similar technologies;

(hb) “ D TH” means Direct to H ome distribution of audio v isual signals received via

satellite to small dish antennas across the foot-print of the satellite to subscribers;

(hc) “electronic media” includes the broadcast media and distribution services;]

2
[(hd) “electronic media employee” shall mean and include a person working as an

employee with the licensee of the Authority;]

(i) “ fore i gn co m pany” means a company or body cor p orate o r ganized, and

registered under the laws of a foreign government;

(j) “f r equency” means the fr e quency of the electromag n etic wave number measured

in Hertz per second and used for transmission;

(k) “ F AB” means the Frequ e ncy Allocation Board established under section 42 of the

Pakistan T elecommunication (Reo r ganization) Act, 1996 (XVII of 1996);

1
[ (ka) “il l egal operation” means the broadcast or transmission or distribution of, or

provision of acc e ss to, programmes or advertisements in the form of channels

without having a valid licence from the Authority;

(kb) “ LM D S” means local multipoint distribution service to transmit audio-visual

signals through wire l ess devices, on a higher frequency range for the provision of

cable television service;]

(l) “ m edia enterprise” means an enterprise concern e d with the publication of a

printed newspaper o r
3
[ a broadcast media or distribution service];

2
[(la) “misinformation” means verifiable false content or information that is

unintentionally disseminated or shared;]

1
[
2
[ (la a ) ] “ MMDS” means multi - c hannel multi -point distribution service to transmit

audio-visual signals through wi r eless devices, to multiple subscribers, after

receiving such signals from other channels of communication;]

1
[( m) “licence” means a licence issued by the Authority to establish and operate a

broadcast media or distribution service;]

(n) “licensee” means a person to whom the Authority has issued a licence;

1
[ (na) “n e wspaper” means a newspaper as defined by the P ress , Newspapers, News

Agencies and Books Registration Ordinance, 2002(XCVIII of 2002);]

1
Ins . , and subs. by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Amdt.) Act, 2007 ( Act II of 2007 ) , s . 4 .

2
Re - numbered and Ins. by Act LXI of 2023, s.3.

3
Subs. by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Amdt.) Act, 2007 ( Act II of 2007 ) , s . 4 , for “Journal , a radio or television broadcast

station or cinema theatre”.

Page 7 of 21

(o) “member” means a member of the Authority;

(p) “ national broadcaster” m eans the Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation, the

Pakistan T elevision Corporation and the Shalimar Recording and Broadcasting

Company;

(q) “P T A” means the Pakistan T elecommunication Authority established under

the Pakistan T elecommunication (Reo r ganisation) Act, 1996 (XVII of 1996);

(r) “person” includes an individual, partnership, association, compan y , trust or
1
[ .

corporation or public body] ;

(s) “prescribed” means prescribed by the rules
2
[or regulations] made by the

Authority;

(t) “p r ogramme” means the s ystematic broadcasting of visual or sound images

by a broadcast station but does not include an advertisement;
2
[ * ]

2
[ (ta) “regulations” means the regulations made under this Ordinance;]

(u) “rules” means the rules made under this Ordinance
2
[;]

1
[(ua) “severe violation” means a violation of this Ordinance or violation o f Article

19 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan;]

2
[ (v) “tele p ort” 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;
1
[*]

1
[(va) “timely payment of dues ” means the payment of dues when made to the

electronic media employee within two months; and]

(w) “uplinking” M eans trans m ission of audio-video signal from ground transmission

facility to a satellite in order to transmit any programme within or outside

Pakistan.]

3. E sta b lis h m e n t of t h e A u t h o r ity . ⸺ (1) As soon a s ma y b e , a f t e r the c o m me n c e m e nt o f

this Ordin a n c e , the F e d e r a l G o v e rn me nt sh a ll, by notifi c a ti o n in the o f fi c i a l G az e tt e , e s t a blish a n

a uthority to be known a s the P a kis t a n El e c tron i c M e d i a Re g ul a tory Authority ( P EM R A) f or

ca rr y ing out the purpos e s of this Ordin a n c e .

(2) The Authority sh a ll b e a body c orpor a t e h a v i n g p e rp e tu a l su c c e ssion a nd a c o mm o n

s e a l with pow e rs su b j e c t to t h e pro v ision of this Ordi n a n c e to hold a nd d ispose of prop e rty by

the s a id n ame , s u e a nd be s u e d.

(3) The prin c ip a l o f f i c e of the Authority sh a ll b e a t Isl a m a b a d a nd i t m a y s e t up o ff i c e s

a t su c h p l a c e or pl a c e s in t h e c ount r y a s it m a y d ee m a ppropri a t e .

1
Subs ., Ins. and Omitted by Act LXI of 2023, s.3.

2
Ins. , omitted and subs. by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Amdt.) Act, 2007 ( Act II of 2007 ) , s . 4 .

Page 8 of 21

(4) No ac t or pro c ee ding of t h e Authority sh a ll b e in v a lid by r ea son only of the e xi s t e n c e of

a v aca n c y in, or d e f e c t in t he c on s titution o f , t h e A u thorit y .

1
[ 4. F un c tio n s of t h e A u t h o r it y .⸺ (1) The Auth o rity sh a ll be r e sponsi b l e f or r e g ul a ting

the e s t a blish m e nt a nd o p e r a tion of a ll bro a d c a st m e dia a nd distribu t ion s e r v i ce s in P a ki s t a n

e s t a blis h e d f or t h e pur p ose o f in t e rn a tion a l, n a t ion a l, pro v in c i a l, d i stri c t, lo c a l or sp e c i a l

t a r g e t a ud i e n c e s.

(2) The Authority sh a ll r e g ul a te the distribu t ion o f f or e i g n a nd lo c a l TV a n d r a dio c h a n n e ls

in P a kist a n .

(3) The Authority ma y , by notification in the o f ficial Gazette, make regulations and

also issue determinations for carrying out the purposes of this Ordinance.]

2
[(4) The Authority by registering rating companies shall ensure that a fair, transparent,

and independent forums shall issue rating to the licensees.]

_ _
T h e F e d e r a l Go v e rn me nt m a y ,

a s a nd wh e n it c on s id e rs n e c e s s a r y , issue dir ec ti v e s to the Authority on ma tt e rs of pol i c y , a nd

su c h dir e c ti v e s sh a ll be b inding on the Authorit y , a nd if a qu e s tion a ri s e s wh e th e r a ny ma tt e r is

a m a t t e r of po l i c y or not, the d ec i sion of the Fe d e r a l G o v e rn me nt s h a ll b e fin a l.

6. M e m b er s of A u t h o r ity . ⸺ (1) The Authority s h a ll c ons i st of a C h a i r ma n a nd
1
[ tw e l v e ]

mem b e rs to be a ppoin t e d by the P r e sid e nt of P a k i s t a n.

(2) The C h a ir m a n o f t h e Authority sh a ll be a n e m in e nt pr o f e s sion a l of k nown int e g rity a nd

c o m p e t e n c e h a v ing s u bst a nt i a l e xp e r i e n c e in me di a , bu s in e ss, ma n a g eme nt, f i n a n c e , ec ono m i c s

or l a w.

2
[(2 A ) The division to which business of this Ordinance stands allocated shall recommend

a panel of five candidates fulfilling the conditions of sub - section (2) and send it to a parliamentary

committee consisting of four members two from the National Assembly and two from the Senate

to be nominated by the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairman of the Senate

r espectively out of which one shall be from the treasury benches and one from the opposition

in each House and the parliamentary committee shall consider the panel and recommend one

candidate for appointment by the President under sub - section (1) and whe re the parliamentary

committee fails to recommend within thirty days of receipt of the panel any person, t h e division

concerned shall forward the panel to the Prime Minister who shall recommend to the President

the candidate eminently suited to be appointe d as Chairman by the President:

Provided that at any time when the National Assembly stands dissolve, all members of

the parliamentary committee shall be from the Senate nominated by the Chairman Senate. ]

(3) Out of
1
[ tw e l v e ] me m b e rs one s h a ll be a ppo i nt e d by the
3
[Prime Minister] on f ull t i m e

b a sis a nd fi v e sh a ll be e m in e nt c i t i z e ns c hos e n t o e nsure r e p r e s e n t a tion o f a ll pro v in ce s with

e xp e rti s e in one or m ore of the f o llowing f i e lds: me d i a , l a w, hu ma n ri g hts, a nd so c i a l s e r v i ce . Of

the f i v e m em b e rs f r o m the g e n e r a l publ i c , two mem b e rs sh a l l be wo me n.

1
Subs. by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Amdt.) Act, 2007 ( Act II of 2007 ) , s s . 5 - 6 .

2
Added and Ins. by Act LXI of 2023, s s.3A - 4.

3
Sub. b y Act No. XXIV of 2026, s.2 .

Page 9 of 21

(4) S ec r e t a r y , Ministry of I n f or ma tion a nd
1
[ B ro a d c a stin g , S ec r e t a r y , Int e rior Di v ision,

C h a ir m a n, P a kist a n T e l e c o mm un i c a tion Authori t y a nd C h a ir ma n, Ce nt r a l B o a rd of Re v e n u e ] sh a ll

b e t h e e x - o ff i c io me m b e rs.

2
[ (4A) . The remaining two members shall,
3
[Prime Minister] be appointed on need basis

on recommendation of the Chairman and they shall be non - voting honorary members, one from

broadcasters and one from Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ). ]

(5) The mem b e rs ,
1
[ * * * * * * * ] sh a ll r e ce i v e s u c h f e e a nd e x p e ns e s f or e ac h me e ting a s

ma y b e pr e s c ri b e d.

1
[ (6) A m e m b e r, ot h e r t h a n a n e x of f i c io m em b e r, sh a ll b e d e e m e d to h a v e v aca t e d his o f f i c e

if he a bs e n t s hi m s e lf f or thr e e c o n s e c uti v e m e e ti ng s of the Authority without the l e a v e of t h e

Authorit y .]

7. Te nu r e of m e m b er s . ⸺ (1) The C h a ir ma n a nd mem b e rs, oth e r t h a n e x - o ff i c io m em b e rs,

unl e ss ea r l i e r r e m o v e d f o r m is c ond u c t or ph y si c a l or me n t a l i n ca p a c it y , sh a ll hold o f f i c e f or a

p e riod o f f our y ea rs a n d sh a l l b e e li g ible f or r e - a ppoin t me nt f or a si m il a r t e rm or a s th e

3
[Prime Minister] m a y d e t e r m in e :

P r o v id e d th a t t h e C h a ir m a n a nd a m em b e r s h a ll r e tire on a tt a ining the a g e o f sixt y - f i v e y ea rs.

Expl a n a tion . ⸺ F or the pu r pos e s o f th i s s ec t ion t h e e xpr e ssion “ m is c ond u c t ” m e a ns

c on v i c tion f or a ny o f f e n c e in v ol v ing m or a l turpitude a nd i n c lud e s c ond u c t pr e j u d i c i a l to g ood

ord e r or unb ec o m ing of a g e nt l e m a n .

( 2 ) The C h a ir m a n or a m em b e r m a y , by w riting u nd e r his h a nd, r e si g n his o f fi c e .

(1) The Chairman o r , in his absence, the

member elected by the members for the purpose, shall preside at a meeting of the Authorit y .

(2) One-third of the total members shall constitute a quorum for meetings of the

Authority requiring a decision by the Authorit y .

(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.

2
[(3A) Meeting s of the Authority may also take place through modern devices including but

not limited to video link.]

(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
2
[* *

*] .

1
S ubs . , omitted and added by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Amdt.) Act, 2007 (Act II of 2007 ) , s . 6 .

2
Subs. , Ins. and omitted by Act LXI of 2023, s.4

3
Subs. by Act No. XXIV of 2026, s s . 2 - 3 .

Page 10 of 21

9 . R e m u n er atio n , of C h ai r m a n a n d m e m b er s .
__
(1) The C h a ir m a n a nd mem b e rs sh a ll b e

p a id s u c h e m olu m e nts a s the P r e si d e nt o f P a kis t a n ma y d e t e r m ine a nd s h a ll not b e v a ri e d to th e ir

di s a d v a nt a g e during th e ir t e rm of o f f i c e .

10 . C h ai r m an a n d m e m b er s n ot to e n gage t he m s e lv e s in c e r tain b u s i n e ss, e t c . — (1) The

C h a ir m a n sh a ll not, during his t e rm of o ff i c e , e ng a g e hi m s e lf in a ny oth e r s e r v i ce , busin e s s , v o ca tion

or em plo y me n t, or e nt e r into t h e e m plo y me nt o f , or a cc e pt a ny a d v iso r y o r c onsul t a n c y

r e l a tionship with a ny p e rson or e ntity e n g a g e d in a ppl y ing f or a l i ce n c e f rom t h e Authority or

op e r a ting a bro a d c a st s t a tion e s t a bli s h e d within t h e pur v i e w of the Author i ty or in pro v idi n g

s e r v i ce s or produ c ts to t h e Authority on a ny of t h e pr o j e c ts, s c h e m e s, propo s a l s or pl a ns und e rt a k e n,

e x e c ut e d or sup e r v is e d by t he Authority or a ny r e l a t e d und e r t a king of su c h a f or e s a id p e rson or

e ntit y .

(2) The mem b e rs s h a ll not h a v e a ny dir ec t o r indir ec t f i n a n c i a l in t e r e st, or h a v e a ny c onn e c tion

with a ny su c h p e rson, e ntity or r e l a t e d und e r t a king a s m e n t i o n e d in su b - s e c tion (1) of this s e c tion

a ss o c i a t e d in a ny w a y with the li ce n s e e of a bro a d ca s t st a t ion f or so long a s th e y a re m em b e rs a nd

h o ld of f i c e .

11 . O f f i c e r s, e m p loy ee s, e t c .
__
To ca rry out t h e pu r pos e s o f this Ordi n a n c e , t he Authority ma y ,

f rom ti m e to ti m e , a p p oint m e m b e rs o f its st a ff , e x p e rts, c o n sul t a nts, a d v is e rs a nd ot h e r o f fi c e rs a nd

em plo y e e s o n su c h t e r m s a nd c ondit i ons a s
1
[ may be prescribed by regulations] .

12 . O f f i c e r s, e t c . de e m e d to b e p u b lic s e r va n t s .
__
The C h a ir m a n, m em b e rs, mem b e rs of

its st a ff , ot h e r o f fi c e rs a nd em plo y ee s o f the Authority sh a ll be d ee m e d to be public s e r v a n t s

within the me a ning of s e c tion 21 o f t h e P a kis t a n P e n a l C o d e (A c t X L V of 1860).

1
[ 13 . D e l e gatio n .
__
The Au t hority ma y delegate to the Chairman or a member or officer of the

Authority, any of its powers, responsibilities or functions under this Ordinance as it may by regulations

prescribe:

P ro v id e d th a t the d e l e g a tion of su c h pow e r sh a ll not in c lu d e the po w e r to g r a nt, r e v oke or

ca n c e l a br o a d c a st m e d i a or distribution s e r v i c e l i ce n c e e x ce pt c a b le TV :

Provided further that to the extent of suspension of broadcast media licence, the Authority may

delegate its power to Chairman and two members of the Authority.]

14 . F u n d . ⸺ ( 1 ) Th e re sh a l l be e s t a blis h e d a f und to be known a s “ P EM R A F und” whi c h

s h a l l v e st in the Authority a nd sh a ll b e utili z e d by the Authority to mee t c h a r g e s i n c onn e c tion with

its f u n c tions in c lu d ing p a y me nt of s a l a ri e s a n d oth e r r em u n e r a tions to the C h a ir m a n, mem b e rs,

2
[ e m p lo y ee s] , e x p e rts a nd c onsul t a nts o f t he Authorit y .

(2) The F und sh a ll c onsi s t o f . ⸺

(i) s ee d m on e y by the F e d e r a l Go v e rn me nt;

1
Subs . by Act LXI of 2023, s s .6 - 7

2
S ubs. b y the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Amdt .) Act, 2007 ( Act II of 2007 ) , s. 8 , for servants.

Page 11 of 21

(ii) f ee s f or iss u a n c e
1
[ a nd r e n e w a l ] o f li c e n ce s f or e st a b lishing a nd op e r a ting

bro a d c a st or C TV st a tion s ;

(iii) lo a ns ob t a i n e d with t he sp e c i a l or g e n e r a l s a n c tion o f t h e F e d e r a l Go v e rn me nt;

(i v ) f or e i g n a id obt a i n e d with s a n c t ion of a nd on su c h t e r m s a nd c o nditions a s m a y

be a ppro v e d by the F e d e r a l G o v e rn me nt; a nd

(v) a ll oth e r su m s r e c e i v e d by the Authority f rom a ny oth e r sour ce .

(3) The Authori t y ma y o p e n a nd op e r a te o n e or m ore a c c ounts in l o c a l, or f or e i g n c urr e n c y ,

in a ny s c h e du l e d b a nk .

1
[ (4) The Authority ma y in v e st its f unds in su c h in v e st me nts a s it ma y , f rom ti m e to ti m e ,

d e t e r m in e . ]

15 . B ud g e t.
__
The Authority sh a ll, in r e sp e c t o f eac h f in a n c i a l y ea r, pr e p a re its own bud g e t

a nd sub m it it to t h e F e d e r a l Go v e rn me nt thr e e m o nths b e f ore t h e c o m m e n ce m e nt o f e v e ry f i n a n c i a l

y ea r f or in f or m a tion.

16 . A cc o un ts a n d A ud i t . ⸺ (1) The Authority sh a ll ma i n t a in c o m p l e t e a nd a c c ur a t e b ooks

o f a c c ounts of its a c t u a l e x p e ns e s a nd r e c e ipts in s u c h f orm a s t h e F e d e r a l G o v e rn me nt m a y , in

c onsul t a tion with the A u ditor G e n e r a l of P a k ist a n , d e t e r m in e .

(2) The Authority sh a ll ca use to b e c a rri e d out a u dit of its a c c ounts by one or m ore a uditors

who a re c h a r t e r e d a cc o u nt a nts w i thin t h e m ea n i n g of the C h a r t e r e d A c c o unt a nts Ordinance, 1961

(X of 1961).

(3) Notwithst a nding the a u d it pro v id e d in su b - s e c tion (2) t h e Audito r - G e n e r a l s h a l l h a v e t h e

pow e r to a udit or ca u s e t o be a ud i t e d t h e a c c ounts of t h e Authorit y .

17 . A n nu al re p o r t.
__
T he Authority sh a ll c o m pile a nd sub m it a n a n nu a l r e port on its

op e r a tions a nd ac c ounts f or e a c h f i n a n c i a l y ea r to the P r e sid e n t o f P a k i st a n a nd s h a ll a lso

a rr a n g e f or its pub l i c a ti o n a nd c i r c u l a tion to t h e me d i a a nd t h e publ i c .

2
[ 18 . Cat e go r i e s of l i c en ce s. ⸺ (1) T h e Authority sh a ll iss u e l i c e n c e s f or br o a d c a st me d ia

a n d distribution s e r v i c e in t h e f ollowing c a t e g ori e s, n a me l y : ⸺

i. i nt e rn a tio n a l a nd n a t i o n a l s ca l e s t a tion s ;

ii. p r o v in c i a l s c a le br o a d ca s t;

iii. l o ca l a r e a c o m m unity b a s e d r a dio a nd T V b ro a d c a st;

i v . s p ec i f i c a nd s p e c i a l i z e d su b j ec t s ;

v . d istribution s e r v i ce s; a nd

1
Ins. and Added b y the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Amdt.) Act, 2007 ( Act II of 2007 ) , s. 8.

2
Subs. ibid . , s . 9 , for “section 18” .

Page 12 of 21

v i. u plinking f ac ili t i e s i n c lud i ng t e l e porting a nd D S NG.

(2) The Authority ma y furth e r su b - c a t e g ori z e the c a t e g ori e s sp e c i f i e d in s u b - s ec tion (1) a s

i t ma y d ee m f it . ]

19 . L i c e n c e to b r oa d c ast or o p er at e . ⸺
1
[ (1) The Authority sh a ll h a v e e x c l usi v e ri g ht to

issue li c e n c e s f or the e s t a b l is h me nt a nd op e r a tion o f a l l bro a d ca s t m e d i a a nd d i stribution s e r v i ce s ,

pro v id e d th a t this e x c l u si v e ri g ht sh a ll be us e d by the Authori t y in c on f or m ity with the prin c ip l e s

o f f a ir n e ss a nd e quity a ppl i e d to a l l pot e n t i a l a pp l i c a nts for li c e n c e s who s e e li g ibility sh a l l be b a s e d

on pr e s c ri b e d c ri t e ria n ot i f i e d in a d v a n c e a nd th a t this s h a ll be do n e throu g h a n op e n, tr a nsp a r e nt

bidding pro ce s s :

P r o v id e d th a t the biddi n g sh a ll be h e ld if the n u m b e r of a pp l i c a tions e x c ee ds t h e nu m b e r o f

li c e n c e s to b e iss u e d by the Authorit y . ]

(2) No p e rson sh a ll e n g a g e in
1
[ a ny bro a d ca st me d i a or distribution s e r v i ce ] e x ce p t a f t e r

obt a ining a l i ce n c e iss u e d und e r this Ordin a n ce .

(3) E v e ry li ce n c e sh a l l be subj e c t to s u c h t e r m s a n d c onditions a s m a y be pr e s c ri b e d.

1
[( 4) The Authority sh a ll h a v e the po w e r to d e t e r m ine nu m b e r of l i ce n ce s to be iss u e d in

e a c h ca t e g ory or su b - ca t e g ory a nd c h a r g e f e e s a t su c h r a t e s a s the Authority ma y f ix f rom t i m e to

ti m e f or the g r a nt o f a l i c e n c e a nd f or its a nn u a l r e n e w a l . ]

1
[ (5) The Authority sh a ll d e v ise a C ode of C on d u c t f or pro g r amme s a nd a d v e rtis e m e nts f or

c o m pl i a n c e by the l i c e n s ee s . ]

20 . Ter m s a n d c o n d it i o n s of li c e n ce .
__
A
1
[ p e r son] who is iss u e d a l i ce n c e un d e r this

Ordin a n c e sh a l l ⸺

( a )
1
[ e nsure p r e s e r v a tion o f ] t h e so v e r e i g nt y , s ec urity a nd int e g rity of the I s l am i c

R e publ i c o f P a k i s t a n ;

(b)
1
[ e nsure pr e s e r v a tion of] t h e n a tio n a l, c ul t ur a l, s o c i a l a nd r e li g ious v a lu e s a nd

th e prin c ip l e s of publ i c po l i c y a s e n shrin e d in the C onstitu t ion of the Is l am i c

R e publ i c o f P a kist a n;

1
[ ( c ) e nsure th a t a ll progr amme s a nd a d v e rtis e me nts do not c ont a in or e n c our a g e

v iol e n c e , t e rroris m , r a c i a l, e thn i c or r e li g ious di s c ri m i n a tion, s e c t a ri a ni s m ,

e xt r em is m , m i l it a n c y , h a tr e d, porno g r a ph y , obs ce n i t y , v u l g a rity or oth e r

ma t e ri a l off e nsi v e to c o mm only a c ce p t e d st a n d a rds of d e c e n c y ;]

(d) c o m ply with rul e s ma d e un d e r this Ordin a n c e ;

1
S ubs. and added by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Amdt.) Act, 2007 (Act II of 2007 ) , s s . 10 - 11 .

Page 13 of 21

( e ) bro a d ca s t
1
[ , i f p e r m i ssible un d e r the t e r m s of i ts l i c e n c e , ] pro g r amme s in t h e

pub li c int e r e s t s p ec i f i e d by the
2
[Secretary of the D ivision to which the business

of this Ordinance stands allocated or the Authority in the manner I ndicated by

the Secretary] or, a s t h e ca s e ma y b e , t h e Aut h orit y , pr o v id e d th a t t h e dur a tion

of s u c h ma nd a tory pr o g r amme s do not e x c ee d t e n p e r ce nt o f t h e tot a l dur a ti o n

of bro a d c a st or op e r a tion by a s t a t ion in tw e nt y - f our hours e x c e pt i f , by its

own v olition, a st a tion c hoo s e s t o bro a d c a st
1
[ * *] s u c h c ont e nt f or a lon g e r

dur a t i on ;
3
[and such content will be in addition to preamble, and the licensee

will also submit an annual compliance report to this effect or as and when

required by the Authority ; ]

( f ) c o m ply with t h e c o d e s o f pro g r amme s a nd a d v e rtis e m e nts a ppro v e d by the

Authority
1
[ a nd a ppoi n t a n i n - house m onitoring c o mm it t ee , und e r inti m a tion

to the Authorit y , to e nsure c o m pl i a n c e o f t h e C od e ] ;

(g) not bro a d ca s t or dis t ribute a ny pro g r amm e o r a d v e rtis e m e nt in v iol a t ion of

c op y ri g ht or oth e r prop e rty ri g h t;

1
[ (h) ob t a in NOC f rom Authority b e f ore i m port of a ny tr a ns m i t ting a pp a r a tus f o r

bro a d c a stin g , distribution or t e l e porting op e r a tion; ]

( i ) not s e ll, tr a n s f e r or a s si g n a ny of t h e ri g hts c o n f e rr e d by the l i ce n c e w i thout

prior writ t e n p e r m ission o f t h e Authorit y
3
[;]

3
[ (j) not air disinformation;

(k) ensure that during a regular programme a continuous break for advertising shall

not exceed five minutes and duration between two such successive breaks shall

not be less than ten minutes; and

(l) ensure that the content of the channel available on electronic media, including

logo and name, etc. shall not vary, alter, substitute, tempered on digital media

or any other similar forum. ]

3
[ 20A. Obligation of licensee to pay electronic media employees’ dues ti mely . — The

licensee of the Authority shall ensure timely payment of dues not later than two months to the

electronic media employees working with it.

A licensee of the Authority shall comply with all

decisions and orders o f the Authority and the Council of Complaints for payment of outstanding

dues to its employees. In case of non - compliance by the licensee, the Authority or, as the case may be,

the Council of Complaints shall write to the division or department of the F ederal Government or, as

the case may be, the Provincial Government to which stands allocated the business in this behalf to

stop release of TV or radio commercials to the licensee till the payment of pending dues to its

employees. ]

1
S ubs. , o m i tt e d and Added by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Amdt.) Act, 2007 (Act II of 2007 ) , s . 11.

2
Subs. by Act No. XXIV of 2026, s.4 .

3
Added , subs. and ins. by Act LXI of 2023, s s.8 - 9 .

Page 14 of 21

1
[21. Co n s u ltati o n w ith the P r ovi nc e s . ⸺ (1) The Au t hority sh a ll, e x c e pt w h e re a pp l i c a tions

f or the i s su a n c e of a l i ce n c e r e l a t e s to Is l a m a b a d C a pit a l T e rritor y , in v ite the c o m m e nts of th e Go v e rn me nt

of the P r o vin c e c on c e rn e d, with r e g a rd to the propos e d lo c a tion of the Ra d io, TV or MMDS st a tion

f or whi c h the a ppl i ca t ion h a s b ee n ma d e , a nd if t h e c on ce rned P ro v in c i a l Go v e rn me nt h a s a ny r e s e r v a tion

to the issu a n c e of the l i c e n c e , the Auth o rity sh a ll in v ite the r e pr e s e n t a t i v e of the P ro v in c i a l Go v e rn me nt

a n d c onsi d e r its v i e wpoint b e f ore t a king a d ec i sion on t h e iss u a n c e of a li c e n ce :

P r o v id e d th a t wh e re t h e P r o v in c i a l Go v e rn me nt o bj e c ts to t h e iss u a n c e of a p a rti c u l a r l i c e n ce ,

the a ppl i c a nt sh a ll b e pro v id e d a n opportunity to be pr e s e nt a t t h e m e e ti n g of the Authori t y a nd g i v e n

a n opportunity of b e ing h ea rd with r e g a rd to the obs e r v a tions ma d e by the P r o v in c i a l Go v e rn me nt.

(2) W h e re the si g n a l of a r a dio , TV or MM D S st a tion h a s the po t e nt i a l to c o v e r a n a r e a

outside t h e li m i t s of t h e P r o v in c e in whi c h the u nit is propos e d to be lo c a t e d, t h e Authority sh a ll in v ite

o n e or m o r e r e p r e s e n t a ti v e s f rom t he c on c e rn e d P ro v in c i a l Go v e rn me nts to e xpr e ss t h e ir v i e wpoint, i f

a n y , on the i n t e r - P ro v i n c i a l di m e nsions o f t h e si g n a l . ]

2 2 . D u r ation f or c o n si d er ation of t h e a pp li c ation f or a li c e n ce .
__
T h e Authority sh a ll t a k e

d ec i sion on t h e a p p l i ca ti on f or a li c e n c e w i thin one hundr e d d a y s f rom the r e c e ipt o f t h e

a ppl i ca t ion.

23 . E x c l u sion of m o n o p oli e s . ⸺ (1) No p e rson sh a ll be e nt i tl e d to t h e b e n e f i t of a ny

m onopoly or e x c lusi v ity in the ma t t e r of bro a d c a s t ing or t h e e s t a blish m e nt a nd op e r a tion of

bro a d c a st
2
[ me d i a or distribution s e r v i ce ] or in the supply to , or pur c h a se f ro m , a n a t i o n a l

bro a d c a s t e r of a ir ti m e , pro g r amme s or a d v e rtising ma t e r i a l a nd a ll e xisting a g r ee m e nts a nd

c ontr a c ts to t h e e xt e n t of c onf e rring a m onopoly or c ont a ining a n e x c lusi v ity c l a use a r e , to

the e x t e nt o f e x c l u si v it y , h e r e by d ec l a r e d to be ino p e r a t i v e a nd of no l e g a l e f f e c t.

3
[ (2) In gr a nting a li c e n ce , t h e Authority sh a ll e nsure th a t o p e n a nd f a ir c o m p e t ition i s

f a c i l it a t e d in the o p e r a ti on of m ore t h a n o n e m e dia e n t e rpri s e in a ny g iv e n unit o f a r e a or

subj e c t a nd t h a t undue c on ce nt r a tion o f m e dia o wn e rship is not c r e a t e d i n a ny c i t y , town or a r e a

a nd t h e c ountry a s a whol e :

P r o v id e d th a t if a l i c e ns e e owns, c ontrols or op e r a t e s m ore t h a n one me d ia e nt e rpri s e , he

sh a ll not indul g e in a ny pr a c ti c e wh i c h m a y i m p e de f a re c o m p e t ition a nd pro v ision of l e v e l

pl a y ing f i e ld.]

24 . L i c e nc e , a pp li c ati o n , iss u a n ce , r e f u sal a n d vali d ity . ⸺
4
[ (1) Any p e rson d e s irous o f

obt a ining a li c e n c e f or e s t a blish m e nt a nd op e r a t ion of bro a d c a st m e dia or a distribution s e r v i c e

s h a ll a pply to the Authority in su c h ma nn e r a nd f orm a s ma y be pr e s c rib e d . ]

(2) The Authori t y sh a ll pro ce ss ea c h a ppl i c a tion in acc or d a n c e with pr e s c rib e d c r i t e r i a

a nd sh a ll hold pub l ic h e a rin g s in t h e r e s p e c t i v e pro v in c i a l ca p it a ls o f e ac h P rovin ce , or a s t h e c a se

ma y b e , Isl a m a b a d, b e f ore g r a nting or r e f using the l i ce n c e .

(3) E ac h a pp l i c a tion s h a l l be ac c o m p a n i e d by su c h f e e a s the Author i ty ma y pr e s c rib e .

1
Subs. by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Amdt.) Act, 2007 ( Act II of 2007 ) , s. 12 , “for section 21”.

2
S ubs. ibid . , s . 1 3 , for “or CTV stations”.

3
Subs . ibid . , for “sub - section (2).

4
Subs. ibid ., s.14, for “sub - section (1)”.

Page 15 of 21

1
[ (4) A licence of broadcast media shall be valid for a period of twenty years and distribution

service licence shall be valid for a period not exceeding ten years from the issuance date subject to

payment of annual fee, including late payment fee if any as may be prescr ibed from time to time but

shall not include annual gross advertisement revenue in any form whatsoever. ]

1
[ (4A) Licence renewal fee shall be fifty percent of applicable fee of last bid price of the same

category but shall not include annual gross advertise ment revenue in any form whatsoever. ]

(5) The Authority ma y r e n e w a l i ce n c e on su c h t e r m s a nd c ond i tions a s ma y be pr e s c rib e d ,

a nd in c a s e of r e f u s a l to r e n e w a l i ce n c e r ea so n s s h a ll b e r e c ord e d in writi n g .

25 . C er tain p er so n s n ot b e g r a n t e d li ce nc e .
__
A l i c e n c e s h a ll not b e g r a nt e d t o —

( a ) a p e rson who is not a c iti z e n o f P a ki s t a n or r e si d e nt in P a ki s t a n;

(b) a f or e i g n c o m p a ny o r g a ni z e d und e r the l a ws o f a ny f or e i g n g o v e r n me n t ;
2
[ * ]

( c ) a c o m p a ny the ma j o r ity of whose sh a r e s a r e own e d or c ontrol l e d by f or e i g n

n a tion a ls or c o m p a n i e s who s e m a n a g eme n t or c ontrol is v e s t e d in f or e i g n

n a tio n a ls or c o m p a n i e s
2
[; or ]

2
[ (d) a ny p e rson f un d e d o r sponsor e d by a f or e i g n g o v e rn me nt or or g a ni z a tion.]

1
[ 26. Council s of Complaints .⸺ (1) The
3
[Prime Minister] shall, by notification in the official

Gazette, establish Councils of Complaints for general public, bodies, etc. and for grievance of the

electronic media employees regarding their wages, salaries, dues, etc. at Islamabad, the Provincial

capitals and als o at such other places as the
3
[Prime Minister] may determine.

(2) Ea ch Council shall receive and review complaints made by persons or organizations from

general public against any aspects of programmes broadcast or distributed by a station established

through a licence issued by the Authority and render opinions on such complaints.

(3) Each Council shall receive and review complaints made by the electronic media employees

to the extent of the following matters only, namely: —

(a) payment of minimum wage s policy; and (b) timely payment of their salaries,

and the Council shall render opinions and recommendations on such complaints

to the Authority for appropriate decision or order.

(4) Each Council shall consist of a Chairperson and five members being citizens of eminence,

having relevant experience and qualification as may be prescribed, from general public at least two of

whom shall be women.

1
Subs . and Ins. by Act LXI of 2023, s s .10 - 11 .

2
Omitted , subs. and added by Act No. II of 2007, s. 15 .

3
Subs. by Act No. XXIV 2026, s.5 .

Page 16 of 21

(5) The Chairperson or members, unless earlier removed for misconduct or physical or mental

incapacity, shall hold office for a term of two years and shall be eligible for re - appointment for a

similar term as the
1
[Prime Minister] may determine:

Provided that the Chairperson or a member may, by writing under his hand addressed to the

Chairman, resign from his office:

Provided further that the Chairperson and members shall hold honorary positions.

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,

political influence or involvement, or unbecoming of a gentleman, or absence from thre e or more

successive meetings of the Council.

(6) For the purpose of exercising jurisdiction under sub - section (3) for grievances of the

electronic media employees, in each Council, two non - voting honorary members shall be appointed

by the division to whic h business of this Ordinance stands allocated, one from broadcasters and one

from electronic media employees, who shall serve to that extent only.

(7) The Councils shall have the powers to summon the complainant, aggrieved person and the

licensee against w hom a complaint has been made and call for his or its explanation regarding any

matter relating to its operation.

(8) The functions and operation of the Councils shall be such as may be prescribed.

(9) The Councils may recommend to the Authority for imposi tion of a fine of not less than two

hundred thousand rupees and not more than one million rupees against any individual person. The

Councils may also recommend to the Authority appropriate action of censure, fine up to two million

rupees in respect of a li censee. In case a licensee repeats violation, the Council may recommend the

suspension of the licence or prohibition on broadcasting or rebroadcasting or distributing any

programme or advertisement against a broadcast media, broadcast station or distributi on service

operator or person for violation of the provisions of this Ordinance, rules and regulations made

thereunder or any terms and conditions of licence and code of conduct for programme content and

advertisements as may be prescribed.

(10) The Author ity or the Chairman may refer any matter to the Council for appropriate

recommendations.

(11) The Council shall verify the content of disinformation on the basis of d o cumentary

evidence and make appropriate recommendations to the Authority within a pe riod of thirty days:

Provided that not more than two adjournments shall be entertained by the Council upon an

advance application by the licensee or the complainant or any aggrieved p e rson. In case of non -

appearance by either party or non - filing of application for ad jou rn ment, the Council shall proceed with

the matter on the basis of available material and record.

(12) Each Council shall compile and submit the annual report of licensee r e garding the

compliance of Code of Conduct to the Authority. ]

1
Subs. by Ac t No. XXIV of 2026, s.5 .

Page 17 of 21

1
[27 . P r o h i b ition of b r oa d c ast m e d ia or d ist r i bu ti o n s er vi c e o pe r atio n .
__
The Authority sh a ll by

ord e r in writ i n g , g i v ing r ea s o ns therefore, prohibit a ny bro a d c a st m e d i a or distribution s e r v i c e op e r a tor
2
[or

person] f ro m ⸺

( a ) bro a d c a sting or r e - bro a d c a sting or distributi n g a ny pr o gr amm e or a d v e rtis e me nt
2
[or

expression by any person] i f it is o f the opi n ion t h a t s u c h p a rti c u l a r pro g r amm e or

a d v e rtis e me nt
2
[or expression by any person] is a g a i n st the i d e olo g y of P a kist a n or

is lik e ly to c r ea t e h a tr e d am ong the p e ople or is pr e j udi c i a l to t he ma i n t e n a n c e o f

l a w a nd ord e r or is li k e ly to disturb publ i c p e a c e a nd tr a nquil i ty or e nd a n g e rs

n a tio n a l s ec urity or is p ro n o g r a p hi c , obs c e ne or v u l g a r or is o ff e nsi v e to the

c o mm only ac c e pt e d st a n d a rds of d e c e n c y ; or

(b) e n g a g ing in a ny p r ac t i c e or a c t whi c h am o unts to a buse o f me d i a pow e r by w a y

of h a r m ing the l e g iti m a t e i nt e r e s t s o f a not h e r l i ce ns e e or wil l f ully ca using d ama g e to

a ny oth e r p e rson
2
[:] ]

2
[Provided that the Authority after prohibiting the programme or

advertisement or expression by any person under clause (a) may refer the matter to

the Council of Complaints for appropriate recommendations. The Council, after

hearing the concerned licensee or person, as the case may be, may recommend within

thirty days to the Authority to take appropriate action as empowered under this

Ordinance.]

3
[ br oa d c ast m e d ia or d ist r i bu ti o n s er v i ce ] operation .
__
A
4
[ b r o a d c as t me d ia or

distribution s e r v i c e ] o p e r a tor sh a ll not ce a se or susp e nd bro a d c a s t ing e x ce pt on a c c ount of f or c e m a j e u r e

or with the prior A ppro v a l of the A u thorit y .

__
(1) The A uthority may authorize any of its officers or its

nominees to enter the premises of a
5
[broadcast media or distribution service] operator for purposes

of inspection
6
[* * * * ].

(2) A b ro a d ca s t
7
[ me d ia st a tion or distribution s e r v i c e pr em i s e s] s h a ll, a t a l l r ea so n a ble t i m e s, be op e n

to insp e c tion by a n a ut h ori z e d o ff i c e r und e r su b - s ec tion (1) a nd the li c e ns e e sh a l l pro v ide su c h of f i c e r with

e v e ry a ssist a n c e a nd f a c i lity in p e r f or m ing his duti e s.

(3) The a uthori z e d o ff i ce r sh a ll, within f ort y - e i g ht hours of the insp ec t ion, sub m it h i s insp e c tion r e port

to the A uthorit y .

8
[ (4) The Authority m a y a uthori z e a ny of its o f fi c e rs to un d e rt a k e i nv e sti g a tion, in t h e ma nn e r it m a y

pr e s c rib e , in a ny ma tt e r with r e g a rd to its f un c tions a nd to s ee k a ny sp e c i f i c in f or m a tion, f rom a ny p e rson,

whi c h the Author i ty ma y d ee m us e f ul in o rd e r to e n a b l e it to d e t e r m ine a nd dispo s e of su c h m a t t e r.

(5) The Authority o r a s the c a s e ma y be the C h a ir ma n a ft e r issuing a show ca u s e noti c e to a bro a d c a st

me d ia or di s tribution s e r v i c e m a y s e i z e its bro a d c a st or distribution s e r v i c e e quip m e nt, or s ea l t h e pr em i s e s,

whi c h is b e ing u s e d in c ontr a v e ntion o f t h e pro v isions of this Ordin a n c e or the ru l e s m a de t h e reun d e r or a ny

oth e r l a w:

1
S ubs. by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Amdt.) Act, 2007( Act II of 20 07 ) , s . 17 , for “section 27”.

2
Ins . , sub. and added by Act LXI of 2023, s.12.

3
S ubs. by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Amdt.) Act, 2007( II of 20 07 ) , s . 1 8 , for “broadcasting or CTV”.

4
Subs. ibid ., for “broadcast er or”.

5
Subs. ibid ., s.19, for “broadcast er or a CTV”.

6
Certain words omitted ibid .

7
Subs. ibid ., for “or CTV station”.

8
New sub - section s (4), (5) and (6) added ibid.

Page 18 of 21

P r o v id e d th a t the e qui p me nt sh a ll be r e turn e d to the hold e r of a v a lid li c e n c e a f t e r i m posing

on him su c h p e n a lty a s t h e Authority ma y d e t e r m i n e .

(6)
1
[ * * * * * * * ]

1
[ 29A. Imposition of fine. — The Authority or, as the case may be, the Chairman, 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 regulati ons or the

code of conduct or the terms and conditions of the licence:

Provided that in case of severe violations, the Authority may impose a fine up to ten million

rupees on the licensee.

All dues inc luding 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. ]

2
[ 30 . Po w e r to va r y c o nd itio n s , s u s p en d or re v o k e t h e li ce nc e . ⸺ (1) The Authority ma y

r e v oke or susp e nd t h e l i ce n c e of a bro a d c a st m e dia or distribution s e r v i c e by a n ord e r in

writing on one or m ore of t h e f o l lowing grounds, n am e l y : ⸺

(a) the license e has failed to pay the license fee , annual renewal fee or any other

charges including fine, if any;

(b) t h e li c e n s e e h a s c o ntr a v e n e d a ny pro v ision of this Ordi n a n c e or r u l e s or

r e g ul a tio n s ma de th e r e und e r :

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 l i ce n s e e h a s f a i l e d to c o m ply with a ny c on d ition of the l i c e n c e ; a nd

(d) wh e re the li c e ns e e is a c o m p a n y , a nd its sh a r e hold e rs h a v e tr a nsf e rr e d a

m a j ority of the sh a r e s in t h e iss u e d or p a id up c a pi t a l of t h e c o m p a ny or if

c ontrol of the c o m p a ny is oth e rwise tr a n s f e rr e d to p e rsons not b e ing the

ori g in a l sh a r e hold e rs of t h e c o m p a ny a t th e ti m e o f g r a nt of l i c e n c e , without

writt e n p e r m iss i on of t h e Authorit y .

(2) The Authority ma y v a r y a ny of the t e r m s a nd c onditions of the l i ce n c e w h e re i t d e e m s

th a t s u c h v a ri a tion i s in t he publ i c in t e r e st.

(3) Ex ce pt f or r e a son of n e ce s s ity in the public in t e r e st a l i ce n c e sh a ll not be v a ri e d , susp e nd e d

or r e v ok e d und e r su b - s e c tion (1) or sub - section (2) unl e ss the l i c e ns e e h a s b e e n g i v e n r ea so n a ble

n o ti c e to sh o w ca u s e a nd a p e rson a l h ea rin g .]

1
Omi tted and Subs. by Act LXI of 2023, s s.13 - 14 .

2
Sub s. by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority ( Amdt.) Act, 2007( Act II of 20 07 ) , s .21 for “section 30”.

Page 19 of 21

1
[ 30 A. Appeals.
__
Any person aggrieved by any decision or order of the Chairman or the Authority

may, within thirty days of the receipt therof, prefer an appeal to the High Court within whose territorial

jurisdiction the proceedings were initiated and the decision or order has been passed.]

1
[ 30B. Jurisdiction of courts barred. — Jurisdictions of civil courts are barred. Save as otherwise

provided by this Act, no court or other Authority shall have jurisdiction to question the legality of anything

done or any action taken under this Ordinance, by or at the instance of the Authority. ]

2
[ 31 . U p li nk i n g Fa c iliti e s . ⸺ (1) No p e rson sh a ll ca rry out uplinking without a v a lid T e l e port

or S a t e lli t e TV l i ce n c e f r om the Authorit y ;

(2) The Authority ma y , subj e c t to f u l f i l l m e nt o f s u c h c onditions, a s ma y b e pr e s c rib e d, iss u e

p e r m ission in writing t o a ny p a rty to c a rry out t e m por a ry uplinki n g f rom a g round tr a ns m ission f ac i lity to

a s a t e l l ite in ord e r to tr a ns m it a ny pr o g r amm e within or outside P a kist a n . ]

32 . Po w e r to g r a n t e x e m p ti o n s.
__
The Authori t y ma y g r a nt e x em ptions f rom a ny pr o v isions

of this Ordi n a n c e , wh e r e the Authority is of the v i e w th a t s u c h e x em pti o n s e r v e s the pub li c int e r e s t a nd

t h e e x em p t ions so g r a nt e d sh a ll b e support e d by r ec ordi n g the r ea sons f or g r a nting su c h e x em p tio n s

in writing pro v id e d th a t the g r a nt of e x em ptions sh a ll be b a s e d o n g uid e lin e s a nd c ri t e ria i d e nt i f i e d in

the R u l e s a nd th a t s u c h e x em p tions sh a l l b e m a de in c on f or m i ty with the pri n c ip l e s of e q u a lity a nd

e q uity a s e nshrin e d in the C onstitution.

33 . O f f e nc e s a n d p e n a lti e s . ⸺ (1) Any
3
[ b ro a d c a st me d i a or distribution service] 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
4
[ten million] rupees.

(2) When such
3
[broadcast media or distribution service] 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) W h e re t h e v iol a tion, or a b e t m e nt o f the v iol a tion o f a ny pro v ision of t h is Ordin a n c e i s

ma de by a p e rson who do e s not h o ld a li c e n c e , su c h v iol a tion s h a ll be punis h a ble with i m prison m e nt

f or a t e r m whi c h ma y e x t e nd to f our y ea rs, or with fi n e , or with b o th
5
[, in a ddition to the

c o n f is c a ti on of t h e e qui p me nt u s e d in the c o mm is s ion of the ac t.]

6
[ (4) W hoso e v e r d a m a g e s, r e m o v e s, t a m p e rs w i th or c o m m its th e f t of a ny e quip me nt of a

bro a d c a st m e d i a or d i stribution s e r v i c e s t a ti o n li c e ns e d by the Authorit y , in c luding tr a ns m it t ing

or bro a d ca st ing a pp a r a tus, r e c e i v e rs, boost e rs, c on v e rt e rs, dis t ributors, a n t e nn a e , wir e s, d ec o d e rs, s e t -

top box e s or m ultipl e x e rs sh a ll be g uilty of a n o f f e n c e punis h a b l e with i m prison me nt wh i c h m a y e xt e nd

to thr e e y ea rs, or with f i n e , or both.]

7
[ 33A. O f f i ce r s o f F e d er al, P r ovi nc ial a n d L o c al G ov e r n m e n ts to assist A u t h o r ity .
__
The

of f i ce rs of F e d e r a l Go v e rn me nt, P r o v in c i a l Go v e rn me nts a nd L o ca l Go v e rn me n t s in c luding t he Ca p it a l

T e r ritory P oli c e a nd t h e P ro v in c i a l P ol i c e s h a ll a s s ist the Authority a n d its of f i ce rs in t h e di s c h a r g e

of th e ir f u n c tions un d e r the pro v isions of this Ordin a n c e a nd t h e r ul e s a nd r e g ul a tions m a de t h e r e un d e r.

1
Subs . and Ins. by Act LXI of 2023, s s.15 - 16

2
Subs. by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Amdt .) Act, 2007(Act II of 20 07 ) , s .23 , for “section 31” .

3
Subs. ibid., s.24, for “broadc o ast er or CTV” .

4
Subs. ibid ., for “one million”.

5
Added ibid.

6
New sub - section (4) added ibid.

7
New sections 33 A and 33B ins. ibid., s.25.

Page 20 of 21

33 B . Wa r r a n ts f or s e a r c h . ⸺ (1) W h e re on i n f or m a tion f urnish e d by the A uthorit y , the

C ourt h a s r e a son to b e l i e v e t h a t a ny unli c e ns e d br o a d ca s t me d i a or distributi o n s e r v i c e is b e ing

own e d, c ontro l l e d or o p e r a t e d or its e qui p me nt is b e ing k e pt or c o n c e a l e d, it ma y iss u e a s ea r c h

w a rr a nt a nd t h e p e rson to who m such s ea r c h w a rr a nt is di r ec t e d, m a y e n t e r the p r em i s e s wh e re

su c h un l i c e n s e d bro a d c a st m e dia or dist r ibution s e r v i c e i s b e ing own e d, c ontrol l e d , op e r a t e d or

pro v id e d or its e quip m e nt is b e ing k e pt or c o n c e a l e d, or c a r r y out s e a r c h a n d insp e c ti o n t h e r e o f a nd

s e i z e a ll or a ny e quip me n t t h e r e in.

(2) A n y e quip me n t of a bro a d ca s t m e d i a s t a t i on s e i z e d und e r su b - s e c tion (1) h a v ing no ost e nsib l e

own e r s h a ll v e st in the Authorit y .]

__
No court shall take cognizance of any o f fence

under
1
[sub-section (1) or (2) of section 33 of] this Ordin a nce except on a complaint in

writing by the Authority or any o f ficer authorized by it.

1
[ 34 A . O f f e nc e s to b e c o m p o un d a b l e and c o g n i z a b le.
__
The o f f e n ce s u n d e r sub - sections (3)

and (4) of section 33 of this Ordin a n c e sh a ll b e c o m pound a b l e and c o g ni z a b l e .]

35 . Cog n i z a n c e of off e n ce s e t c . ⸺ (1) No c ourt i n f e rior to th a t o f a M a g istr a t e of the f irst c l a s s

sh a ll try a n off e n c e puni s h a ble un d e r this Ordi n a n ce .

(2) Notwithst a nding a nything c ont a i n e d in s e c t i on 32 of the C o d e of C ri m in a l P ro ce du r e ,

1898 (A c t V o f 1898), i t sh a l l b e l a w f ul f or a n y M a g istr a te o f t h e f irst c l a ss to p a s s a ny s e n t e n c e

a uthori z e d by this Ordin a n c e e v e n if s u c h s e n t e n c e e x c e e ds his pow e rs und e r the s a id s ec t ion 32.

36 . O f f e nc e s b y c o m p a n i e s . ⸺ (1) W h e re a ny of f e n c e und e r this Ordin a n c e h a s b ee n

c o mm i t t e d by a p e rson w ho a t the ti m e the off e n c e w a s c o mm i t t e d w a s in c h a r g e o f a nd w a s r e sponsible

to t h e c o m p a ny f or the c ondu c t o f t he busi n e ss of the c o m p a ny a s w e ll a s th e c o m p a ny it s e l f sh a l l be

d ee m e d to b e g uilty of the o f f e n c e a nd s h a ll b e l i a b le to b e pro c ee d e d a g a inst a nd pu n ish e d a cc ordin g l y .

(2) W h e re t h e p e rson g uilty of a n o f f e n c e un d e r t his Ordin a n c e , is a c o m p a n y , c orpor a tion or

f ir m , e v e ry dir ec tor, p a r t n e r a nd em plo y e e of the c o m p a n y , c orpor a tion o r f irm s h a ll, un l e s s he

pro v e s th a t o f f e n c e w a s c o mm i t t e d without his knowl e d g e , or c ons e nt, sh a ll be g uilty of the o f f e n c e

a nd sh a ll be l i a b l e to be pr o c e e d e d a g a inst a nd punis h e d a c c ord i n g l y .

37 . Or d i n a n c e o v e r r i de s ot h e r l a w s . ⸺ (1) The p r o v isions of this Ordin a n c e sh a l l h a v e e f f e c t

notwithst a n d ing a n y thing to the c ont r a ry c ont a i n e d in a ny oth e r l a w f o r the t i m e b e ing in f or c e ,

or a ny c ontr a c t, a g r ee m e nt or a ny oth e r ins t ru me nt wh a ts o e v e r:

P r o v id e d th a t ⸺

2
[ ( a ) the national broadcasters and state - owned enterprises shall continue to be

regulated by the relevant laws; and]

1
Ins. by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Amdt.) Act, 2007(Act II of 20 07 ) , s s . 2 6 - 27 .

2
Subs. by Act LXI of 2023, s.17.

Page 21 of 21

(b) oth e r e xisting pri v a te bro a d ca s t e rs or C TV op e r a tors who h a d b ee n g r a nt e d

r e sp e c ti v e m onopoli e s in m ult i - m o d a l d i stribution s y st em , c a ble TV a nd in F M

r a d io s h a ll h e n c e f orth b e r e g ul a t e d by this Ordin a n c e e x c e pt in r e sp e c ts w h e re

sp e c i f i c e x e m ptions a re g r a nt e d by the Authorit y .

38 . I nd e m n ity.
__
No suit, pros ec u tion or oth e r l e g a l pro c e e ding sh a l l l ie a g a inst t h e F e d e r a l

Go v e rn me nt or a ny P r o vin c i a l Go v e rn me nt or lo c a l a uthor i ty or a n y oth e r p e rson e x e r c ising a ny

pow e r or p e r f or m ing a ny f u n c tion un d e r th i s Ordin a n c e or f or a n y thi n g whi c h is in g ood f a ith done or

purporting or int e nd e d to be done und e r this Ordin a n c e or a ny rule ma de th e r e un d e r.

39 . Po w e r to m a k e r u l e s . ⸺ (1) The Authority ma y , with the a ppro v a l of the
1
[Federal]

Go v e rn me nt, by noti f i c a tion in t h e o f fi c i a l G a z e t t e , m a ke ru l e s to c a rry out the purpos e s of t his

Ordin a n c e .

(2) In p a rti c u l a r, a nd wi t hout pr e j u d i c e to the g e n e r a l i ty of the f or e - g oing pow e r, su c h rul e s

ma y be pro v id e d f or a ll o r a ny of the f ollowing m a tt e rs, n a me l y : ⸺

( a ) to pr e s c ri b e the f o r m s f or the li c e n ce s f or workin g , inst a llin g , op e r a tin g , or

d ea ling in tr a ns m ission br o a d c a st o r distribution a p p a r a tus a nd the m a nn e r in

wh i c h a ppl i ca t ions f or t h e li c e n c e s s h a ll b e g r a nt e d;

(b ) to p r e s c ribe t h e t e r m s a nd c onditions o f the li c e n c e in c luding f e e to be c h a r g e d

in c onn e c tion with the i ssu a n c e o f l i c e n c e s a nd r e l a t e d ma t t e rs,
2
[ * ]

2
[ ( c ) to p r e s c ri b e s t a n d a rds a nd m e a sur e s f or t h e e s t a blish m e nt o f br o a d ca st me d ia

s t a tion s , inst a l l a t ion o f bro a d c a s tin g , distribution s e r v i c e or t e l e porting

e qui p me nt, tr a ns m i tt e rs, r e c e i v e rs, boost e rs, c on v e rt e rs, distrib u tors a nd

c o mm on a n t e nn a e ;

(d) to pr e s c ribe t e r m s a n d c onditions f or the bro a d ca s t me d i a or distribut i on s e r v i c e

op e r a to r s who own, c ontrol or op e r a te m ore t h a n one me d i a e nt e rpri s e ; a nd

( e ) to d e f i n e t h e c i r c u m st a n ce s c onstit u ting undue c o n ce n tr a tion o f m e dia

own e rship a nd a buse o f pow e rs a nd a n t i - c o m p e t iti v e pr a c t i ce s by me d i a

c o m p a n i e s. ]

3
[ 39A. Power to make regulations. — The Authority may, by notification in the official

Gazette, make regulations not inconsistent with the provision of this Ordinance and the rules for

carrying out the purposes of this Ordinance in respect of its internal matters or as such required by

any provision of this Ordinance. ]

40 . R e m oval of d i ff i c u lti e s.
__
If a ny di f fi c u lty a ris e s in g i v ing e f f e c t to the pr o v isions of this

Ordin a n c e , t h e Authori t y ma y ma ke su c h ord e r, not in c onsi s t e nt with pro v isions o f this Ordin a n c e , a s

m a y a pp ea r to it to be n e c e s s a ry f or the purpose o f r em o v ing the d i f fi c u l t y .

218080 Date: 07.04.2026

1
Ins. by Act No. XXIV 2026, s.6.

2
Omitted and subs. by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Amdt.) Act, 2007( Act II of 20 07 ) , s . 28 .

3
I ns . by Act LXI of 2023, s.18.