mass media in pakistan.pdf

8/17/2019 Mass Media in Pakistan.pdf

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A SHORT CHRONOLOGY OF

MASS MEDIA IN PAKISTAN

Media History From Gutenberg

To the Digital Age

BUSHRA HIJAZ

HAMID NAZIR

PRESENTED B


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Raja Umar Siddique

[email protected]@hotmail.com

[email protected]: 0333-5755551

0331-5755551

Press in Pre-WoI 1857 Era

Press in Post-WoI Era

The role of press in Pakistan MovementThe press freedom in Pakistan Past, Present and Future

Press Institutions / News Agencies

Print Media as today and its salient aspects

PTV – History and Development

Radio Pakistan – History and Development

Development of Electronic Media in the Private sector

FM Radio Stations

Media Laws History 1947 – 1985, PPO-1963 and RPPO

Freedom of Information Ordinance

Defamation Law

Contempt of Court Law

PEMRA and its Laws

Code of Ethics for press and electronic media

Course Lecturer

Mass Communication DepartmentNUML, Islamabad

Course Outline : Mass Media in Pakistan

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ACTA DIURNA (Daily Progress):

Acta Diurna Julius Caesar

KAIYUAN ZA BAO ("Bulletin of the Court"):

Tang Dynasty

GAZETTE (Spoken News) Notizie scritte:

AVVISI (Hand Written newsletters )(1500-1700 CE):

Printing Press Invention:

NEWS SHEET:

In the Roman Emperor used to circulate a handout amongst the laity which containsnews regarding public interests.

In Ancient Rome, , or government announcement bulletins, were made public by. They were carved in metal or stone and posted in public places.

In China, early government-produced news sheets, Circulated among court officialsduring the late Han dynasty (second and third centuries AD).

Between 713 and 734, news bulletin of the

Chinese published government news; it was handwritten on silk and read bygovernment officials.

In 1582 there was the first reference to privately published newssheets in Beijing, during thelate Ming Dynasty;

Modern Journalism is not so old. In 1556

A.D it was a trend in the city of Venice, the daily news was read out in the public gathering andpeople were asked to pay Gazetta for the listening. This was the currency at that time and theword Gazette emerged from it.

It was related to political,military and economic news,throughout Europe,especially in Italy.

Started in Germany 1440 AD, by Johannes Gutenberg a goldsmith, around 1440, based onexisting screw-presses used to press cloth, grapes, etc. and possibly prints. Gutenberg wasthe first in Western Europe to develop a printing press.

th In the 16 century it was common in England, a handout was issued from the govt. which

st

contained the news. 1 written newspaper was issued in Germany in 1609 A.D

Same thing adapted by England in 1611 A.D. It was called as

Edited by Nathanial Buttler in 1620. This was the beginning of modern

journalism in Europe

Second hand written newspaper from England published in

1622 A.D.

751 B.C

TIPAO:

News from Spain:

CORANTO (Current Events):

WEEKLY NEWS:

Beginning of Journalism

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Information System in the History of Islam:

Amir Muawiya

Abul Malik

Sahib-a-Barid Wal-Akhbar

Information System in South Asia:

Alauddin Khilji

Sher Shah Suri Akbar's regime

Diarists

Akhbar-e-Darbar-e-Maala

Akhbar-e-Devri Nawab of Audh

was the first Caliph who setup Al-Barid (With the help of Horse)

It was a method to convey the govt. correspondence, and transmission of news

Further enhanced by

The head of Al-Barid was responsible to keep the Caliph aware of all important events in his

vicinity. This head was known as “ ”

The same system of Al-Barid was introduced in the Sub-continent by Gaznivids.

used for commercial purposes as well

This was fully developed under and later in

There were regular analysts and scripters in the Red Fort

were appointed to record the daily activities of the court

These diaries were called as “ ”

was being written in the court of

Syed Abdul Jalil Bilgrami, Mir Syed Muhammad Bilgrami and Mir Ghulam Ali Bilgrami are few

of the prominent diarists

The later Mughal Emperors could not continue this practice due to the process of

disintegration, notorious corruption and decentralization

Establishment of parallel news agencies by Marathas, Sikhs and the British

Gradually all established news sources of the Mughals over taken by the British.

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Journalism During the Reigme of East India Company

William Bolts

Bengal Gazette or Hicky's Gazette

Hicky's Gazette:

James Augustus Hicky

rupees five thousand

The first printing press arrived in India on 6th September 1556 & was installed at the college of

St.Paul in Goa.

stEIC arrived India on 31 Dec, 1600

Started mass communication in the year 1768

established first printing press in Calcutta during EIC reign

On his departure to Britain he wrote a book from the same press

However The was the regular printed gazette in India

an EIC serviceman started it after differences and grievance against

the company, he became critic and was arrested and imprisoned

During imprisonment he conceived the idea to publish a gazette

thFirst print came on 29 Jan, 1780

Four Page weekly in English Language

Contained local news and advertisements and sometimes a summary of European news as

well

On criticizing the Priest of church of Calcutta, Governor General and chief justice of supremecourt of Calcutta he was arrested and imprisoned alongwith a fine of

After that he stopped publishing this gazette

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India Gazette:

Jam-e-Jahan Numa:

Delhi Urdu Akhbar: MaulviMuhammad Baqir

Urdu Akhbar

Hazoor-e-Wala Sahib-e-Kalam

Maulvi Muhammad Hussain Azad

Syed-al-Akhbar:

Maulvi Abdul Ghafoor

Issued under the supervision of EIC

Started to counter Hicky's Gazette

Though it was a private gazette still fully patronized by EIC

Initially it was weekly but soon became a daily

started in 1822, but due to very less circulation it was stopped after

few months

More literary and was a reflection of social behavior of that age

The de-facto founder of Urdu journalism in the India was

Started Delhi in 1837. Weekly in Urdu Language

Its size was 20 x 30 ¼. Its annual distribution was Rs. 20

News from across South Asia

and were the two headings. Under first heading the activities

of the Red Fort reported by the correspondents and in the second one the activities of the govt.

It was closed down in 1857 when Maulvi Muhammad Baqir was shot dead

However his son remained its editor for the last four years

It contained educational and literary news

Owner Syed Muhammad Khan Real Brother of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan

Editor

Urdu Journalism in Pre-WoI Era

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Koh-e-Noor:

Chashma-e-Faiz Victoria Press Riyaz-e-Tor

Munshi Dewan Chand Munshi Mehdi Hassan

Started in 1837

Only 27 copies per day was the circulation of this paper

Closed in 1850 due to financial problems

Other non-prominent Urdu newspapers of that time were: Sadiq-ul-Akhbar, Karim-al-Akhbar,

Shimla Akhbar, Darya-e-Noor, Tilsmi Lacknow, Taj-al-Akhbar, Azam-al-Akhbar, Qutb-al- Akhbar etc.

started in 1850 from Lahore by Munshi Harsukh Rai

Continued for more than half a century

He was specially called by the British after annexation of Punjab in 1849 under the command

of Lord Dalhousie the Governor General of EIC in India

Financially supported by the British that is why it was a Pro-Govt. paper

The EIC installed a printing press for this paper publication in Lahore

No doubt, it was a govt. paper still it criticized the govt. policies at times.

It had the largest circulation of all the Urdu papers across the sub-continent

Its total circulation was 350 copies per day

During its half a century long life it had many editors who used to edit the news

It closed down in 1904

and were two other papers from Sialkot and

was from Multan

started Journalism in Sialkot, however was

the pioneer in Multan

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Audh Akhbar:

Munshi Nawl Kishwar

Oudh Punch Bania Akhbar

Sir Syed Ahmed Khan:

Two NationTheory

Syed Muhammad Khan Syed-al-Akhbar

Causes of the Indian Revolt LoyalMuhammadans of India

Being Muslims were considered as the culprits of the War, so the Urdu journalism suffered a lot

after the war

Before war there were 35 Urdu papers across India but after the war there remained only 12

and only one out of those edited by a Muslim. Rest of them were under the control of non-Muslims

started in 1858, weekly in the beginning but after few years became a daily

and lasted for 90 years

Owner was

Neutral stance and believed in free press with some limitations

That is why its rival “ ” used to call it “ ”. However it had articles of

both Muslim and Hindu scholars and worked as social reformer of that age

Sir Syed Ahmad Khan was born in Delhi on October 17, 1817

An educationist, politician, religious scholar, social reformer and formulator of “

”.

Gulshan School at Muradabad 1859, Victoria School at Ghazipur 1863

He visited England in 1869-70 and on his return he opened M.A.O School at Aligarh which

became a college in 1875 and Aligarh Muslim University after his death in 1920

His brother started a paper “ in 1837, and hecontinued it after the death of his brother

During the WoI he remained the supporter of the British rule however he changed his

afterwards and became a critic of British policies and attitudes

His most significant work is his famous pamphlets “ ” and “

”

ournalism in Post WoI Era

ournalism in Post WoI 1857 Era

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Sir Syed's Newspapers, Magazines & Pamphlets:

Risala-e-Asbab-e-Baghawat-e-Hind (The causes of the Indian Revolt-1857):

Loyal Muhammadans of India (1860):

Risala-i-Asbab-e-Baghawat-e-Hind (A Pamphlet)

Loyal Muhammadans of India (A Pamphlet)

Scientific Society Magazine

Aligarh Institute Gazette

Tehzeeb-ul-Akhlaq

Explained causes of Mutiny to purify the biased minds of the British against the Muslims

The discriminatory attitude of the rulers (The British) was injurious for the larger interests of the

region

This attitude hurt the proud Muslims of the region, who ruled the land for centuries

Insisted that the removal of mistrust and enforcement or restoration of confidence was the cry

of the day

Muslims were not the sole responsible for this mutiny. It was the outcome of the general

resentment against the offensive & aggressive policies of the rulers

He emphasized the Muslims to go for English language and culture within the Islamic system

He started publishing a journal Loyal Mohammedans of India in 1860

He published stories of Muslims who, risking their own safety, saved the lives of British

Only a few issues of this journal were published; however

It helped to some extent to change the image of Muslims in the eyes of British

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Scientific Society Magazine (1866):

Content of Scientific Society Magazine:

To permit the liberty of press is the part of govt. Topreserve it is a part of free people

Tehzeeb-ul-Akhlaq:

Muhammadan Social Reformer

Tatler Spectator Richard Steel JosephEdison

He established the scientific society in 1864 to inculcate the scientific attitude among the

people

A few years later he started a journal, the Indian Institute Gazette for popularizing this society

In the beginning it was weekly and then turned into tri-weekly publication

Started on March 3, 1866 and continued for 32 years

It was a 16 pager with the Moto “

”.

English – 20%, Urdu – 80%, News – 28%, Editorial – 13%, Articles – 49%, Miscellaneous –

10%

Brief news with accuracy

Editorial by Sir Syed were independent and bold, advocated the rights of Indian Muslims and

stated

Defense of native journalists

Excellent typography and good quality paper

Sobriety and maturity

This journal also known as “ ”

To create awareness of modern way of life

Political, social, educational and moral magazine

On the pattern of “ ” and “ ” of England started by and

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The Aligarh Institute Gazette:

Aligarh Movement:

It was a bi-lingual magazine started on 24 Dec, 1870

No news but articles on the topics given above

Started in 1860 by Syed Ahmad Khan

It was not a newspaper for bringing news of everyday occurrences to its readers

It reflected Muslim sentiments and point of view on religious, social and political aspects of

their lives

It was published both in Urdu and English languages and carried news about the activities of

the leaders of

The Aligarh Institute Gazette played a vital role in awakening of the Indians Muslims todemand separate electorate their separate identity

This Gazette advised the Muslims of the subcontinent to boycott the forth-coming political

reforms if it did not contain the principle of separate Muslim electorate

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Maulana Zafar Ali Khan:

Zamindar & Daccan Review

Maulana Siraj-ud-dinShibli Nomani

Maulvi Abdul Haq

Mauana Zafar Ali Khan

Maulana Muhammad Ali Johar:

Comrade & Hamdard

ComradeHamdard

Lord Canning

Zamindar was started in 1903 by from Lahore. Zafar Ali Khan started

Daccan Review from Hyderabad. Famous writers were , Akbar Allahabadi,

Exposed the evils of western society bitterly

Weekly issued for the welfare of cultivators

After his death, his son assumed it. Its first issue came under hisst

editorship on 1 Jan, 1910 from Karramabad. Again shifted to Lahore in 1911

Played vital role in different movements like Khilafat Movement, Disobedience Movement and

Pakistan Movement. It wrote in Muslims' favour with daring ability

That is why it is termed as beginning of the Militant Journalism in the Subcontinent

During his father's regime its circulation was 3,000 but it raised to 30,000 during Zafar Ali

Khan's Era

First paper which used to collect news from API

Excellent Orator and writer started Weekly English paper 1911 from Calcutta andrd

on Urdu in 23 Feb, 1913 from Delhi and shifted Comrade to Delhi as well

The objective of these two papers was to learn, to teach the masses and to impart impartial

news

Both were banned in 1914 after exposing the corruption of the Governor

General

Hamdard was restarted in 1929 but lasted for one year and closed down

Militant Journalism in the Subcontinent

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Maulana Hasrat Mohani:

Urdu-e-Mualla

Mustaqbil

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad:

Al-Hilal

Al-Balagh

He started journalism with publishing a journal “ ” in 1903 to promote Urdu

literature

Publication continued till 1930

He republished an article published in an Egyptian Papers about the cruelties of the British in

the Subcontinent. This article was actually translated by a young fellow of Aligarh UniversityIqbal Ahmed Sohail, but Hasrat followed the rules of journalism and didn't expose thecontributor because the British wanted to know the name of the person

He also started a Daily “ ” to put forward his political philosophy for Indians

Started journalism at the age of 13 with the editorship of Al-Misbah. Issued Lissan-al-Sidiq

upto 1914

Remained editor of Wakil-e-Amritsar for few months

Issue from Calcutta in 1912

On criticizing the rulers he was asked to deposit Rs. 2000 as security. He did so. But eventually

banned in 1918. Reissued in 9127. He also started a magazine “ ”with religiousarticles and no politics

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Early Years (1947 – 1958):

Quaid-e-Azam

Naqoosh Adb-e-Lateef Savera

Faiz Ahmed Faiz

Safeena Maulana Waqar Ahmed

Thanda Gosht Sa'adat HassanManto

Maulana Maudoodi

Civil and Military Gazette

Al-Wahid

Avende O'LordSlaughtered Saint Call-in Scotland Yard

Daily Musalman

Demise of Orient Press International

Ayub Era (1958 – 1969):

Press came under sever action right after the death of in 1948

Public Safety Act was implemented in Oct, 1948

In first 7 years after independence 31 newspapers were banned from publication

This act did not spare even purely literary magazines like , and

1948 was arrested on writing critical comments against the former British

Govt.

was the first paper which suffered ban, edited by

Monthly “Javed” closed down on writing a short story “ ” by

Action against Nawa-e-Waqt on supporting in Tehreek-e-Khatm-e-

Nabuwat for full one year

The then govts. Started corruption in journalism by paying money not to publish against the

govt.

Action against the oldest paper of the subcontinent “ ”. Remained

ban for 16 months after publishing apology

In sindh Weekly New Orient was the first victim. Weekly closed down 1954 for no

reason

Daily Dawn published 2 editorials on the murder of Liaqat Ali Khan (“

” and “ ”)

1953 – was banned for breaking news of Prime Minister M.Ali Bogra getting

Married with a Lebanese lady Ms. Alia which was reported by Reuters as well and declaredcorrect

the first ever Muslim News agency

Started Press advice System that is an order to get permission from the govt. to publish

something

PID was established in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting

Press in Different Regimes in Pakistan

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Dailies Weeklies

Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Era (1972 – 1977):

Zindagi Urdu Digest

Zia-ul-Haq and Press (1977 – 1988):

Press Advice System Ayub Khan

This act ruined the independence of press as the news lost its values

Grabbing PPL in 1959 on the charges that the group was working against the security ofPakistan. Its crime was only that it was a leftist publication group. Ayub took this action toplease United States

Grabbing APP in 1961 on the reason that it was facing financial crisis so govt. will take care of it

Press and Publication Ordinance 1960 by the Federal Govt. and 1963 by the Provincial Govts.

The blackest Law in the history of press in Pakistan

To get permission from the govt. Issued by the district Magistrate. Remained in force 1960 –

1984. In 1984 a court order abolished it

Establishment of NPT in 1964. It was made for the support of the govt. and it used to change its

policy with the change in rulers.

Imposition of Emergency and DPR – 1960

1958 – 1969, 102 – 74, 379 – 260

Continued anti-press policies. Banned a number of papers including Punjab Punch,

&

NPT revived

PPI was given to PPP member

Grabbed the overall national press with the help of Nationalization

Press relaxations in the earlier phase of regime. Imposed restriction after some time

Pre-Press censorship policy introduced just like of

Not to publish political news as the political system was suspended

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Musawat

RPPPO (Registration of Press and Publication ordinance)

Libel Act Pakistan Penal Code 499 & 500

Governments of Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif (1988 – 1999):

Benazir's

Nawaz Sharif PTV

Musharraf Era: (1999 – 2008):

PEMRA 2002 APP 2004

PPP's supporter “ ” closed down on supporting PPP's agitation against the military

rule

imposed 1985

Quota System on public advertisements

Press Directives

Self-censorship policy

The ( ), it forbade any kind of defamation even true

Deprived the press to act as Watchdog of the society

Development in press opened the door for the press to flourish but gradually

Many new papers came on scene and made their own audience

They could not take bold steps against the press as their govt. tenure very short

Still wish was to twist the neck of press like her father's act of grabbing PPI

also wanted to show dominance as civil authoritarian and dictated undue terms

to

It was like a dream come true for the press for the first time in Pakistan and Press was given

absolute freedom

Development of Cable TV networking

Criticism on govt. activities is very common nowadays because of the same freedom given by

him

But his ordinances in and for in again brought the press in chains

As per 2004 ordinance APP MD was to be appointed by the federal govt. and budget allocation

as well

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Rs. 30,000 Rs. 50,000 3 months

All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS):

APP was restricted not to exercise free flow of information except the official version of it

He also restructured the PPO likewise Ayub Khan, Press and Newspapers PublicationOrdinance

He also promulgated Press Council Ordinance, 2002

News Agencies Registration Ordinance, 2002

Freedom of Information Ordinance, 2004

Defamation Ordinance, 2002

Ethical Code for the working journalists

Allowed the public to have information regarding anything under certain limitations

Violation fine was increased from to and imprisonment of .

This act was strongly criticized in the press but all in vain

In 1950, the Pakistan Newspapers Society (PNS) was founded but could not live long

Founders: Hameed Nizami, Altaf Hussain

Established to realize that the print media a) needed an organization and b) needed a clearing

house

The All Pakistan Newspapers Society is an organization of all the publishers of Pakistan

It was founded in 1953.At the moment, Dr Tanvir Tahir is the owner

To facilitate the exchange of views between the editors of the major publications of Pakistan

To protect the rights of newspapers by giving them a voice to appeal unfair decisions against

them

Today, APNS is a clearing house of sorts for its member publications, safeguarding the

commercial interests of

Press Institutions

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CPNEPFUJ

CPNE

Defamation Ordinance

APNS has 243 member publications and 71 accredited advertising agencies to date

These publications include weeklies, monthlies, sports magazines, women magazines,computer magazines, English and Urdu publications – with the exception of trade journals ornewsletters

The APNS exists solely to give newspapers a voice if they are treated unfairly, or, as explained

above, to protect their commercial interest. (Editors and journalists have their ownorganizations – the Council of Pakistan Editors ( ) and the Pakistan Federal Union ofJournalists ( ) respectively)

The APNS has been consistently denying the Wage Board award to its journalists

The struggles of the APNS, combined with the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors( ) finally achieved the Freedom of Information Ordinance in 2002

Unfortunately, the also snaked its way in, which prevented freedom

being practiced the way it should be

Where the print media in Pakistan stands rightnow is because of the efforts done by APNS for

more than half a century for the freedom of press and publications in Pakistan

APNS Awards/Other Awards by APNS

Client Performance Awards

Product Launch Award

Best Copy Award (English and Urdu)

Best Visual Design

Public Service Campaign

Best Scoop

Best Column

Best Feature (English, Urdu, Regional)

Best Investigative Report

Best Cartoon

Best Photograph

Best Article (English, Urdu, Regional)

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Council of Pakistan Newspapers Editors (CPNE):

SAARC

Associated Press of Pakistan (APP):

Malik Taj-ud-Din

Established in 1957

The combined body of Newspaper Editors in Pakistan

To campaign for defense of press freedom and the right of access to information in the service

of democratic practice and strengthening of democratic institutions in the country

Code of Ethics which lays down the norms for maintaining the dignity of the print media

Professional high standard in member publications in respect of publications of news, views,

comments and other write-ups

The CPNE has been in constant dialogue with the Pakistan Government and the provincial

Governments on the subject of press freedom

The CPNE has maintained collaborative relations with several International Print Media

Organizations

CPNE in its code of ethics has placed great stress on defending fundamental human rights in

which access to information is of great and critical significance

The CPNE has sponsored collaboration at the Level and at the bilateral level with

neighboring countries

Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) is a government-operated national news agency of

Pakistan

Not associated with the Associated Press agency (AP)

Founder

The evolution of the Associated Press of Pakistan as the National News Agency owes its

inspiration to the Father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah

In September, 1944, the Quaid-e-Azam in a special interview granted to Malik Tajuddin told

him that he was convinced that the emergence of an independent sovereign Muslim state thetime had come for Malik Tajuddin to take in hand preparatory work for the formation ofPakistan's national news agency

On 1 January, 1949, Taj-ud-Din as its Chief Executive exercised national control but

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accountable to Reuters London on financial matters as a first step towards the evolution ofPakistan's national news agency

Its earlier Board of Trustees were: The Chairman, who was nominated by the Chief Justiceof Pakistan (Mr. Justice W.M. Vellani). Malik Tajuddin, Managing Trustee Dr. S.M. Ikram(Radio Pakistan) Mr. M.A. Ispahani (East Pakistan Press) Mr. Altaf Hussein (DawnKarachi) Syed Amir Hussein (Pakistan Times Lahore) Maulana Akhter Ali Khan(President of the Pakistan Newspapers Editors Conference) Pir Ali Muhammad Rashidi(Sindh Observer Karachi) Mr. H.M. Habibullah as a person engaged in commerce andinterested in the news services of the Trust

After few months a standing committee was established to regulate its matters. It consisted of

a Trustee representing the newspapers, the Honorary Financial Adviser and (3) theManaging Trustee which met once a month and the Financial Adviser checked the monthly

accounts. In 1979 it was redesigned as Board of Management

APP asked the Government of Pakistan for financial support, which was granted in the form of

loans and subsidies. Government support enabled APP to subscribe to the services of theworld's news agencies and to open offices in major cities of the country

When it was taken over by Ayub's Martial Law Administration in 1961, it owed about Rs. 8 lakh

to the government's Post and Telegraph Department and another lac in unpaidsubscription fees to foreign news agencies. The Government of Pakistan intervened and tookover the agency on 15 July 1961 following the instruction of certain vested interests within theGovernment of Pakistan

Besides its head office in Islamabad, APP maintains three bureaus (Karachi, Lahore and

Rawalpindi) and nine news centers (Sukkur, Multan, Quetta, Faisalabad, Larkana,Hyderabad, Bahawalpur, Peshawar and Muzaffarabad)

A private sector national news agency (wire service)

provides national and international news to newspapers, radio and television stations

Pakistan's largest independent national news agency and enjoys the trust of its subscribers

for providing free, fair and unbiased coverage of news even in military and civilian dictatorialregimes

It was established in 1956 by

Among its notable heads also has been Late , who won The United Nations

Award for Press Heroes for upholding the principles of freedom of Press in Pakistan

1.2. 3.

4. 5.6. 7.

8.9.

1) (2)

Rs. 12

Pakistan Press International (PPI):

Mr.Muazzam Ali

Mr.Aslam Ali

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accountable to Reuters London on financial matters as a first step towards the evolution ofPakistan's national news agency

Its earlier Board of Trustees were: The Chairman, who was nominated by the Chief Justiceof Pakistan (Mr. Justice W.M. Vellani). Malik Tajuddin, Managing Trustee Dr. S.M. Ikram(Radio Pakistan) Mr. M.A. Ispahani (East Pakistan Press) Mr. Altaf Hussein (DawnKarachi) Syed Amir Hussein (Pakistan Times Lahore) Maulana Akhter Ali Khan(President of the Pakistan Newspapers Editors Conference) Pir Ali Muhammad Rashidi(Sindh Observer Karachi) Mr. H.M. Habibullah as a person engaged in commerce andinterested in the news services of the Trust

After few months a standing committee was established to regulate its matters. It consisted of

a Trustee representing the newspapers, the Honorary Financial Adviser and (3) theManaging Trustee which met once a month and the Financial Adviser checked the monthly

accounts. In 1979 it was redesigned as Board of Management

APP asked the Government of Pakistan for financial support, which was granted in the form of

loans and subsidies. Government support enabled APP to subscribe to the services of theworld's news agencies and to open offices in major cities of the country

When it was taken over by Ayub's Martial Law Administration in 1961, it owed about Rs. 8 lakh

to the government's Post and Telegraph Department and another lac in unpaidsubscription fees to foreign news agencies. The Government of Pakistan intervened and tookover the agency on 15 July 1961 following the instruction of certain vested interests within theGovernment of Pakistan

Besides its head office in Islamabad, APP maintains three bureaus (Karachi, Lahore and

Rawalpindi) and nine news centers (Sukkur, Multan, Quetta, Faisalabad, Larkana,Hyderabad, Bahawalpur, Peshawar and Muzaffarabad)

A private sector national news agency (wire service)

provides national and international news to newspapers, radio and television stations

Pakistan's largest independent national news agency and enjoys the trust of its subscribers

for providing free, fair and unbiased coverage of news even in military and civilian dictatorialregimes

It was established in 1956 by

Among its notable heads also has been Late , who won The United Nations

Award for Press Heroes for upholding the principles of freedom of Press in Pakistan

1.2. 3.

4. 5.6. 7.

8.9.

1) (2)

Rs. 12

Pakistan Press International (PPI):

Mr.Muazzam Ali

Mr.Aslam Ali

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March 1926 The Indian Broadcasting Company (IBC), a private Company, was formed

23rd July, 1927 IBC started a station at Bombay, thus beginning organized broadcasting in Indo-Pakistan, sub-continent

1928 A small transmitting station was set up at Lahore

April 1930 Broadcasting was placed under the direct control of Government under the title 'Indian

State Broadcasting Service' (ISBS)

January 1934 The 'Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act (1933)' came into force

January 1935 NWFP Government set up a 250 watts transmitting station at Peshawar forcommunity listening

March 1935 Office of Controller of broadcasting created under the Department of Industries and

Labour of the Government

August 1935 Mr. Lionel Fielden assumed charge as the first Controller of Broadcasting

January, 1936 Delhi radio station was opened . Mr A.S.Bukhari Station Director Delhi becomes

deputy controller of broadcasting on July 9, 1936

8th June, 1936 The name of Indian State Broadcasting Service was changed as AIR

July 16, 1936 A station was inaugurated at Peshawar. This station was taken over by the

Government of India from the Government of NWFP on April 1, 1937

July 1942 The Peshawar radio station shifted in a regular broadcasting house December 1937

The Lahore Station went on air

March 1939 The Peshawar station was converted into a relay station

September 1939 News bulletins were centralized in all languages at Delhi. The same year, a

station was opened at Dhaka

Nov 12, 1939 Quaid-e-Azam's first radio broadcast from Bombay radio station on Eid day

Oct 24, 1941 The Department of Information and Broadcasting was set up

July 16, 1942 Peshawar radio station formally inaugurated

Chronology of Progress of Radio Pakistan

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February 1943 Controller broadcasting was designated as Director General

3 June 1947 Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah makes historic address on AIR andannounces the creation of the newly independent state of PAKISTAN for the muslims of the sub-continent

Aug 14,1947 Pakistan comes into being and the announcement of its creation is made by the new

organization, the Pakistan Broadcasting Service which comes into existence at the same timeand later designated as Radio Pakistan

Inaugurations of broadcasting stations and transmitters

1948 Rawalpindi-3 Radio Station with 500 Watt SW transmitter and Karachi Radio Station with

100 Watt SW transmitter were inaugurated

1949 Rawalpindi Station with 100-Watt MW transmitter was inaugurated

1950 Inauguration of a new broadcasting house at Karachi

1951 Foundation-stone of Hyderabad radio station with 1 kW MW transmitter was laid

17 Oct 1956 Quetta radio station and 1 kW MW transmitter was inaugurated

15 Oct. 1960 Inauguration of Rawalpindi-2 radio station with 1 kW SW transmitter and a receiving

center at Peshawar

1970 A staff Training School & Technical Training School Islamabad and Multan radio station with

120 kW MW transmitter inaugurated

21 April 1973 World Service for overseas Pakistanis inaugurated

1974 Foundation-stone of 100 kW Transmitter, Khairpur laid

18 Aug 1975 Inauguration of Bahawalpur radio station with 10 kW MW

1977 The main broadcasting unit of PBC, the Islamabad Radio station in the new National

Broadcasting house with 1,000 kW MW transmitter was inaugurated

1977 Inauguration of Gilgit radio station with 250 Watt MW transmitter and Skardu radio station

with 250 watt MW transmitter

1981 Turbat radio station with 250 Watt MW and D.I.Khan radio station with 10 kW MW

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transmitter and Khuzdar radio station with 250 Watt MW inaugurated

15 Sept. 1982 Faisalabad radio station with 250 Watt MW came on air

7 May 1986 A new broadcasting house, Khairpur was inaugurated

1989 Inauguration of Sibi relay station with 250 Watt transmitter and Abbottabad relay station with

250 Watt transmitter .

Aug 1993 Chitral radio station with 1 kW FM transmitter was inaugurated

1996 Foundation stone of Loralai station and 10 kW MW transmitter and 10 kW MW transmitter at

Zhob were laid .

1997 Federal minister of Information Mr. Mushahid Hussain Syed inaugurated the

computerization of the PBC news processing system and availability of the news bulletins on theInternet in text and audio form.

In October 1998 Radio Pakistan started FM transmission.

2002 President General Pervez Musharraf Inaugurated FM101 Station at PBC Islamabad.

2005 new FM regular stations set up at Gawadar, Mianwali, Sargodha, Kohat, Bannu, Mithi.

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Characteristics of Radio Pakistan:

Guidelines for Radio Pakistan formulated in 1997:

To provide broadcasting services in the fields of information, education and entertainment

through programmes which maintain a proper balance in their subject matter and a high

general standard of quality and morality;

To broadcast programmes to promote Islamic Ideology, national unity and principles of

democracy, freedom, equality, tolerance and social justice as enunciated by Islam.

To reflect the urges and aspiration of the people of Pakistan and promote principles of

democracy and culture of freedom and tolerance.

To present news of events in as factual, accurate and impartial manner as possible and to

carry out instructions of Federal Government with regard to general pattern of policies inrespect of programmes.

To broadcast programmes in the External Services to foreign countries with a view to

promote friendship and project Pakistan's view point on international issues in true

perceptive.

i) Information ii) Education iii) Propaganda iv) Entertainment

To provide information, education and entertainment in balanced manner, ensuring thestandard of quality and morality

To promote Islamic and Pakistan's Ideology, national unity, principles of democracy

Raja Umar Sidd

Objectives of Radio Pakistan laid down in the PBC act:


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Definition:

Types of Defamation:

Defamation Methods:

What you not to do being journalist:

Reputation:

Punishments:

Proportion of Cases:

Injury:

Primarily journalist focused

Any wrongful actor publication or circulation of a false statement or presentation made orally or inwritten or visual form which injures the reputation of a person tends to lower him in estimation ofothers or tends to reduce him to ridicule, unjust criticism, dislike, contempt or hatred shell be calleddefamation

1 – Libel (Written or Visual) 2 – Slender (Oral)

Use of pictures, Signals, Sounds, Electronic Devices

Use careful language while asking questions to personalities

If somebody says something wrong about anybody, you are not supposed to publish or

broadcast, until or unless you have sufficient evidence.

Be careful about words in writing a story; e.g; don't write “arrested for corruption” but “arrested

for alleged corruption”.

Reputation of a person is not just about what the person is?, but all about how he is looked at by thepublic at large.

At first it was Rs. 15000/- and 3 months imprisonment, but now the punishment has been increased toRs. 50,000/- and 3 months of imprisonment or both. Plaintiff can ask for extra fine

90% of defamation cases come from media and 10% from other departments.

Injury is defined as a damage done to the reputation of a person on the basis of which court of lawascertains (determines) the amount of damages to be paid by the accused.

Prominent public or political figure Vs Common man

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Defamation:


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Respondents:

Absolute Privilege:

Qualified Privilege:

Notice of action:

Remedies:

Trial jurisdiction and period:

Appeal:

Powers to make rules:

Big newspaper Vs Local or regional Paper

Politicians, Reporters, editors & Publishers. Even the hawker can be respondent

Any publication or statement made in the Federal or provincial legislatures, reports, papers, notesand proceedings ordered to be published by parliament or assemblies or court of law or any othergovernment authority shall have the protection of absolute privilege

Any fair or accurate publication of parliamentary or judicial proceedings which the public may attendand statements made to the proper authority to redress the public grievance shall have the protectionof qualified privilege.

until or unless the plaintiff gives notice to the defendant within two months of the publication ofdefamatory matter and 14days notice in writing of his intention to bring an action, specifying thedefamatory matter complained of.

The court may order the defendant to file an apology, if the plaintiff accepts it on publishing the samekind of matter against the respondent with the payment of compensatory damages upto Rs. 50,000or undergo 3 months imprisonment or both.

Under the jurisdiction of District judge and to sum up the case in 6 months.

The appeal can be filed in High Court within 30 days of judgment of the District Court

The federal government has the power to look after this ordinance and pass the rules time to time

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An ordinance to regulate the exercise of the powers of courts to punish for contempt of court

Any willful disobedience to, or disregard of, a court order or any misconduct in the

presence of a court; action that interferes with a judge's ability to administer justice or that insults thedignity of the court; punishable by fine or imprisonment or both.

A judge who feels someone is improperly challenging or ignoring the court's authority hasthe power to declare the person (called the contemnor) in contempt of court.

There are three types of contempt of Court; criminal, civil and judicial

It occurs when the contemnor actually interferes with the ability of the courtto function properly - for example, by yelling at the judge. This is also called direct contempt becauseit occurs directly in front of the judge. A criminal contemnor may be fined, jailed or both as punishment

for his act

It occurs when the contemnor willfully disobeys a court order. This is also calledindirect contempt because it occurs outside the judge's immediate realm and evidence must bepresented to the judge to prove the contempt. A civil contemnor, too, may be fined, jailed or both

It means the scandalisation of a court and includes personalized criticism of a judge while holding

office

Any person laying false information relating to the commission of an alleged judicial contempt shall

himself be liable to be proceeded against for contempt of court

Every superior court shall have the power to punish a contempt committed in relation to it.

Any person who commits contempt of court shall be punished with imprisonment which may

extend to six months simple imprisonment, or with fine which may extend to one hundredthousand rupees, or with both.

A person accused of having committed contempt of court may, at any stage, submit an

apology and the court, it satisfied that it is bona fide, may discharge him or remit his sentence.

In the case of a contempt having been committed, or alleged to have been committed, by a

company, the responsibility therefore shall extend to the persons in the company, directly orindirectly, responsible for the same, who shall also be liable to be punished accordingly

Sue-moto action

On the initiative of any person connected with the proceedings in which the alleged

Definition:

Power:

Types of Contempt:

Criminal Contempt:

Civil Contempt:

Judicial Contempt:

Jurisdiction:-

Punishment:-

Action on Criminal Contempt:

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Contempt of Court Ordinance, 1998:


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contempt has been committed

On the application of the law officer of a provincial or the federal government

The publication of a substantially accurate account of what has transpired in a court, or of legalproceedings, shall not constitute contempt of court

No criticism of a judgment in a case which has been finally decided and is no longer pending shallconstitute contempt, no matter how far reaching or outspoken in nature it may be, if it is phrased intemperate language and does not impute improper motives to the judge

Parliamentary speech

Expunged material

Innocent publication

No person shall be found guilty of contempt of court, or punished accordingly, unless the court is

satisfied that the contempt is one which is substantially detrimental to the administration of justice

In the case of an order passed by a single judge of a High Court, an intra-court appeal shall lie toa bench of two or more judges in a case in which the original order has been passed by a divisionor large bench of a High Court, an appeal as of right shall lie to the Supreme Court in the case ofan original order passed by a bench of the Supreme Court, an intra-court appeal shall lie to alarger bench of the court The period of filing an appeal shall be thirty days

Fair reporting:

Criticism of judgments.-

Exemptions:

Substantial detriment: (Sizeable Harm):

Appeal:

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1. Short title, application and commencement:

2. Definitions:

3. Designated official:

4. Application for obtaining information:

(1). These rules may be called the Freedom of Information Rules, 2004.

(2). They shall apply on public bodies.(3). They shall come into force at once.

In these Rules, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context.

(a). “Ordinance” means the Freedom of Information Ordinance, 2002 (XCVI of 2002), and

(b). All other words and expression used, but not defined herein, shall havethe same meanings as are assigned to them in the Ordinance.

(1). The head of every public body shall designate an official for a public body under hisadministrative control for the purpose of providing duly attested photocopy of the public record tothe applicant, in accordance with the provisions of sections 7, 11, 12 and 13 of the Ordinance.

(2). The designated official shall be a senior officer of the public body not below BPS-19. In caseno such official has been designated or in the event of the absence or non-availability of thedesignated official, the person incharge of the public body shall be the designated official, for thepurposes of these rules.

(1). Subject to sub-section (2) of section of the Ordinance, any citizen of Pakistan may apply onthe Application Form as set out in Annexure-1 for obtaining photocopy of the public recordavailable with the respective public body alongwith an initial fee of fifty rupees for ten or less thanten pages to be deposited with the Cash Branch of the respective department under properreceipt or in the State Bank of Pakistan or National Bank of Pakistan or Treasury under thefollowing heads of account, namely:

(a) major head 1300000 other receipts(b) minor head 1390000 other; and

(c) detailed head 1391221 fee payable for obtaining information and copies of public record

(2). An amount of five rupees per page of photocopy shall be deposited inthe heads of account specified in sub-rule (1) of rule 4 for every additional page (standard size) ifthe number of the pages of the record requested exceeds ten pages per requisition.

(3). In case of any Board, Commission, Council or other body established by,or under, a Federal law, charges shall be deposited in their respectiveheads of account.

(4). Subject to the availability of the facility each public body shall make available the ApplicationForm (Annexure-1) on its website.

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THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION RULES, 2004


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Government for restricting the disclosure of information by the publicbody concerned.

In case the requisite information is not provided by the designated official of a public body withintwenty-one days, the applicant may, file a complaint with the head of that public body and thehead of such public body shall dispose of the complaint under intimation to the complainantwithin thirty days of its receipt. In case the application is sent through mail it shall be disposed ofwithin prescribed time limit beginning from the date of the receipt in the office concerned.

6. Procedure for filing of complaint with the head of public body:

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Multi-channel multipoint distribution service (MMDS) also known as wireless cable, is a wirelesstelecommunications technology. The signal of the MMDS station has a range of 40-50 km. TheMMDS band uses microwave frequencies from 2.5 to 2.69 GHz in range. Reception of MMDS-

delivered television signals is possible with a special rooftop microwave antenna and a set-topbox for the television receiving the signals.

Raja Umar Sidd

MULTICHANNEL MULTIPOINT DISTRIBUTION SERVICES

LIST OF MMDS LICENCES ISSUED BY PEMRA

S.# Name of City Name of the Company with Address

1 Sahiwal

Mr. Omer Nazir

Chief Executive OfficerM/s Ranja Enterprises Pvt. Ltd.7-Aziz Avenue Canal Bank Road Gulberg-V,LahorePh: 042-5757156Fax: 042-5757158

2 Renala Khurd

3 Lahore

Mr. Slaman RasheedRegional ManagerM/s Southern NetworksH # 190-A, Street 36, F-10/1,IslamabadPh: 051-2215416,2215421-31Fax: 051-2105094UAN: 111-222-333

4

5

Karachi

Islamabad

6 Nankana Sahib

Mr. Mumtaz Ahmed Qadri,Chief Executive Officer,M/s Pak Communications (Pvt) Ltd,Office # 1, 3rd Floor, Super Trade Centre,F-10 Markaz IslamabadPh: 2105916-8


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Licencing procedure and fee structure are being finalized:

Duration of Licence:

Application Processing Fee: (Non-refundable):

Security Deposit:

SATELLITE TV :

SATELLITE TELEVISION CHANNEL:

10 YEARS

Rs.20,000 /-

10 % of the licence fee( refundable after one year of satisfactory performance).

Subscribers in Pakistan are receiving satellite channels beamed through various satellites. The mostwidespread reception method is through an intermediary in the form of a cable operator. The cableoperator establishes his own system comprising Dish Antennas, Modulators, Decoders, Coaxialcable and line amplifiers etc. for relaying these channels to the subscribers.

One method of direct reception of these channels which can render greater and better-quality

coverage is the Direct-to-Home satellite television service. Through this service, subscribers or endusers, receive signals directly from geostationary satellites. Signals are broadcast in digital format atmicrowave frequencies. The quality of picture is much better then analog. A DTH subscriber'sinstallation consists of a dish antenna two to three feet (60 to 90 centimeters) in diameter, aconventional TV set, a signal converter placed next to the TV set, and a length of coaxial cablebetween the dish and the converter. The dish intercepts microwave signals directly from the satellite.The converter produces output that can be v iewed on the TV receiver .There are also widespread complaints of piracy of foreign channels by some of the local cable TVoperators as well as individuals. Establishment of DTH service with proper authorization is expectedto eliminate such gray market activity to a large extent.

The number of channels will be decided by PEMRA based on the study of local needs, public interest,availability of channels and their conformity with the Code of Conduct.

LICENCING STATUS The authority has approved the grant of two DTH licences. Licences will beissued on fulfillment of Codel formalities.

Duration of Licence:15 YEARS

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DIRECT-TO-HOME TELEVISION DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM


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Application Processing Fee: (Non-refundable) : Rs.200,000 /-

Security Deposit:10% of the licence fee (refundable after one year on satisfactoryPerformance)

If a Satellite TV channel is unlinked from abroad and the channel operator wants to distribute thechannel in Pakistan, he shell obtain permission (Landing Rights) from PEMRA for its distributionon Distribution Service Networks.

Duration of Licence: 5 YEARS

Application Processing Fee: (Non-refundable) Rs. 200,000/-


Application Processing Fee: (Non-refundable) Rs.5,000 /-

Security Deposit: 10 % of the licence fee( refundable after one year on satisfactoryperformance).

LANDING RIGHT :

Internet Protocol Television is a new method of delivering and viewing television programmingusing an IP network and high speed broad band access technology. It provides triple service on asingle medium i.e. TV, internet and telephone.


Application Processing Fee: (Non-refundable) Rs.20,000 /-

Security Deposit: 10 % of the licence fee( refundable after one year on satisfactoryperformance).

Raja Umar Sidd

CABLE TV:

NTERNET PROTOCOL TV CHANNEL DISTRIBUTION SERVICES


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Establishment:

Functions of the Authority:

Power of the Federal Government to issue directives:

Members of Authority:

To regulate broadcast media in Pakistan

For the development of broadcast media in Pakistan

Improve the standards of information, education and entertainment

Enlarge the choice available to the people of Pakistan in the media for news, current affairs,

religious knowledge, art, culture, science, technology, economic development, social sectorconcerns, music, sports, drama and other subjects of public and national interest

Facilitate the devolution of responsibility and power to the grass-roots by improving the access

of the people to mass media at the local and community level

Ensure accountability, transparency and good governance by optimizing the free flow of

information

As soon as may be, after the commencement of this Ordinance, the Federal Government

shall, by notification in the Official Gazette, establish an Authority to be known as the PakistanElectronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) for carrying out the purposes of thisOrdinance

The Authority shall be a body corporate having perpetual succession and a common seal with

powers subject to the provision of this Ordinance to hold and dispose of property by the saidname, sue and be sued

The principal office of the Authority shall be at Islamabad and it may set up offices at such

place or places in the country as it may deem appropriate

No act or proceeding of the Authority shall be invalid by reason only of the existence of a

vacancy in, or defect in the constitution of, the Authority

The Authority shall be responsible for regulating the establishment and operation of all

broadcast and CTV stations in Pakistan established for the purpose of international, national,provincial, district, local or special target audiences

The Federal Government may, as and when it considers necessary, issue directives to the

Authority on matters of policy, and such directives shall be binding on the Authority, and if aquestion arises whether any matter is a matter of policy or not, the decision of the FederalGovernment shall be final

The Authority shall consist of a Chairman and nine members to be appointed by the President

of Pakistan

The Chairman of the Authority shall be an eminent professional of known integrity and

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PEMRA (Organization):


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competence having substantial experience in media, business, management, finance,

economics or law

Out of nine members one shall be appointed by the Federal Government on full time basis andfive shall be eminent citizens chosen to ensure representation of all provinces with expertise inone or more of the following fields: media, law, human rights, and social service Of the fivemembers from the general public, two members shall be women

Secretary, Ministry of Information and Media Development, Secretary, Interior Division and

Chairman, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority shall be the ex officio members

The members, other than ex-officio members, shall participate in all meetings and shall

receive such fee and expenses for each meeting as may be prescribed

Fund:

Categories of broadcast stations:

Seed money by the Federal Government

Fees for issuance of licences for establishing and operating broadcast or CTV stations

Loans obtained with the special or general sanction of the Federal Government

Foreign aid obtained with sanction of and on such terms and conditions as may be approved

by the Federal Government

All other sums received by the Authority from any other source

International scale stations

National scale stations

Provincial scale stations

Specific and specialized subject stations

Cable Television Network stations

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1. Short title, extent and commencement.-

2. Definition.-

(1) This Ordinance may be called theFreedom of Information Ordinance, 2002.

(2) It extends to the whole of Pakistan.

(3) It shall come into force at once.

In this Ordinance, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context,-

(a) "complainant" means

(b) (i) a requester, or

(ii) any person acting for and on behalf of requester;

(b) "complaint" means any allegation in writing made by a complainant;

(i) where he is a requester, that access to record has been wrongfully denied to him by a public body;

(ii) where he is a requester, that access to and/or correction of his personal information has been

wrongfully denied to him by a public body having the custody or control of the record;

(iii) where is a requester that the information requested by him has been unduly delayed by a public body;

(c) "designated official" means an official of a public body designated under section 10;

(d) "employee", in relation to a public body, means a person employed in a public body whether

permanently or temporary;

of the Office of Federal Tax Ombudsman Ordinance, 2000 (XXXV of 2000);

(f) "Mohtasib" means the Wafaqi Mohtasib (Ombudsman) appointed under Article 3 of the

Establishment of the office of the Wafaqi Mohtasib (Ombudsman) Order, 1983 (P.O.NO. I of

1983);

(g) "prescribed" means prescribed by rules made under this Ordinance;

(h) "public body" means;

(i) any Ministry, Division or attached department of the Federal Government;

(ii) Secretariat of Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament)

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reedom of Information Ordinance 2002:


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(iii) any office of any Board, Commission, Council, or other body established by, or under, aFederal law;

(iv) courts and tribunals;

(i) "record" means record in any form, whether printed or in writing and includes any map,diagram, photography, film, microfilm, which is used for official purpose by the public body whichholds the record;

3. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained inany other law for the time being in force, and subject to the provisions of this Ordinance, norequester shall be denied access to any official record other than exemptions as provided insection 15.

(2) This Ordinance shall be interpreted so as

(i) to advance the purposes of this Ordinance, and

(ii) to facilitate and encourage, promptly and at the lowest reasonable cost, the disclosure ofinformation;

4. Subject to provisions of this Ordinance and inaccordance with the rules that may be prescribed, each public body shall ensure that all recordscovered under clause (i) of section 2 of this Ordinance are properly maintained.

5. The acts and subordinate legislation such asrules and regulations, notifications, by-laws, manuals, orders having the force of law in Pakistanshall be duly, published and made available at a reasonable price at an adequate number ofoutlets so that access thereof is easier, less time-consuming and less expensive.

6. Each public body shall endeavour within reasonable timeand subject to availability of resources that all records covered by the provisions of thisOrdinance are computerised and connected through a network all over the country on different

system so that authorised access to such records is facilitated.

7. Subject to the provision of section 8, the following recordof all public bodies are hereby declared to be the public record, namely:-

(a) policies and guidelines;

(b) transactions involving acquisition and disposal of properly and expenditure undertaken by apublic body in the performance of its duties;

Access to information not to be denied.-

Maintenance and indexing of records.-

Publication and availability of records.-

Computerisation of records.-

Declaration of public record.-

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((c) information regarding grant of licenses, allotments and other benefits and privileges andcontract and agreements made by a public body;

(d) final orders and decisions, including decisions relating to members of public; and

(e) any other record which may be notified by the Federal Government as public record 'for thepurposes of this Ordinance,

8. Nothing contained in section 7 shall apply to the followingrecord of all public bodies, namely:-

(a) nothing on the files;

(b) minutes of meetings;

(c) any intermediary opinion or recommendation;

(d) record of the banking companies and financial institutions relating to the accounts of theircustomers;

(e) record relating to defence forces, defence installations or connected therewith or ancillary todefence and national security;

(f) record declared as classified by the Federal Government;

(g) record relating to the personal privacy of any individual ;

(h) record of private documents furnished to a public body either on an express or impliedcondition that information contained in any much documents shall not be disclosed to a thirdperson; and

(i) any other record which the Federal Government may, in public interest, exclude from thepurview of this Ordinance.

9. A public body shall take necessary steps as may beprescribed to assist any requester under this Ordinance.

10. (1) A public body shall designate and notify an officer or employee to

whom requests under this ordinance are to be made. These officials will be designated to ensure easy

public access to information.

(2) In case no such official has been designated or in the event of the absence or non-availability

of the designated officials, the person in-charge of the public body shall be the designated official.

Exclusion of certain record.-

Duty to assist requesters.-

Designation of official.-

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11. Subject to the provisions of this Ordinance and therules made thereunder and the instruction if any, of the Federal Government, the designatedofficial shall provide the information contained in any public record or, as the case may be, a copy

of any such record.

12. (1) Subject to the sub-section (2), anycitizen of Pakistan may make an application to the designated official in the form as may beprescribed and shall with his application, furnish necessary particulars, pay such fee and at suchtime as may be prescribed.

(2) Nothing contained in sub-section (1) shall apply to such public record as has been publishedin the official Gazette or in the form of a book offered for sale.

13. (1) Subject to sub-section (2),on receiving

an application under section 12, the designated official shall, within twenty-one days of the receiptof request, supply to the applicant the required information or, as the case may be, a copy of anypublic record.

(2) In case the designated official is of the opinion that-

(a) the application is not in the form as has been

(b) the applicant has not furnished necessary particulars or has not paid such fee as has beenprescribed;

(c) the applicant is not entitled to receive such information;

(d) the required information or, as the case may, be the required record does not constitute apublic record under section 7;

(e) the required information or, as the case may be, the required record constitutes -a recordwhich is excluded under section 8;

He shall record his decision in writing and the applicant shall be informed about such decisionwithin twenty-one days of the receipt of the application.

(3) The information from, or the copy of, any public record supplied to the applicant under sub-section (1), shall contain a certificate at the foot thereof that the information is correct or, as thecase may be, the copy is a true copyof such public record, and such certificate shall be dated and signed by the designated official.

14. Subject to the provisions of this Ordinance, apublic body shall not be required to disclose exempt information.

Functions of designated official.-

Applications for obtaining information, etc.-

Procedure for disposal of applications.-

Exempt information from disclosure.-

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15. (1) Information may be exempt if its disclosure would be likelyto cause grave and significantdamage to the interests of Pakistan in the conduct of internationalrelations.

(2) In the Section, "international relations" means relations between Pakistan and

(a) the government of any other foreign State; or

(b) an organisation of which only States are members.

16. Information may be exempt if its disclosure

is likely to

(a) result in the commission of an offences

(b) harm the detection, prevention, investigation or inquiry in a particular case;

(c) reveal the identity of a confidential source of information;

(d) facilitate an escape from legal custody;

(e) harm the security of any property or system, including a building, a vehicle, a computer

system or communications system.

17. Information is exempt if its disclosure under thisordinance would involve the invasion of the privacy of an identifiable, individual (includingindividual) other than the requester.

18. - Information is exempt if and so long as itsdisclosure

(a) would be likely to cause grave and significant damage to the economy as a result of thepremature disclosure of the proposed introduction, abolition of variation of any tax, duty, interest

rate, exchange rate or any other instrumentof economic management;

(b) would be likely to cause significant damage to the financial interests of the public body bygiving an unreasonable advantage to any person in relation to a contract which that person isseeking to enter into with the public body for the acquisition? or disposal of property or the supply of goods or services, or

(c) by revealing information to a competitor of the public body, would be likely to cause significantdamage to the lawful commercial activities of the public body.

International relations.-

Disclosure harmful to law enforcement.-

Privacy and personal information.-

Economic and commercial affairs.

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19. (1) If the applicant is notprovided the information or copy of the record declared public record under section 7 within theprescribed time or the designated official refuses to give-such information or, as the case may be,

copy of such record, on the ground that the applicant is not entitled to receive such information orcopy of such record, the applicant may, within thirty days of the last date of the prescribed time forgiving such information or, as the case may be, of such record, or the communication of the order ofthe designated official declining to give such information or copy of such record, file a complaint withthe head of the public body and on failing to get the requested information from him within theprescribed time may file a complaint with the Mohtasib and in cases relating to Revenue Division, itsubordinate departments, offices and agencies with the Federal Tax Ombudsman.

(2) The Mohtasib or the Federal Tax Ombudsman, as the case may be, may, after hearing theapplicant and the designated official, direct the designated official to give the information or, as thecase may be, the copy of the record or may reject the complaint.

20. Where a complaintinstituted is found to be malicious, frivolous or vexatious, the complaint may be dismissed byMohtasib, and fine may be imposed on the complainant up to an amount not extending ten thousandsrupees.

21. Any person who destroys a record which at the time it was destroyed was the subjectof a request, or of a complaint with the intention of preventing its disclosure under this Ordinance,commits an offence punishable with imprisonment for, a term not exceeding two years, or with fine, orwith both.

22. No suit, prosecution or other legal proceedings shall lie against any person foranything which is done in good faith or intended to be done in pursuance of this Ordinance or any

rules made thereunder;

23. The provisions of this Ordinance shall be inaddition to, and not in derogation of, anything contained in any other law for the time being in force.

24. If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of thisOrdinance, the Federal Government may, by order in the official Gazette, make such provisions notinconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance as appear to it to be necessary or expedient forremoving the difficulty.

25. (1) The Federal Government may, by notification in the officialGazette, make rules for carrying out the purposes of this Ordinance.

(2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing powers, such rules mayprovide for:

(a) The fee payable for obtaining information from, and copies of the public record;

(b) The form of application for obtaining information from, and copies of, the public record; and

(c) The form in which information from public record shall be furnished.

Recourse of the Mohtasib and Federal Tax Ombudsman.-

Dismissal of frivolous, vexations and malicious complaint.-

Offence:

Indemnity.-

Ordinance not to derogate other laws.-

Power to remove difficulties.-

Power to make rules.-

Raja Umar Sidd


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