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PMDA disbanded, newly elected Information Minster Marriyum Aurangzeb announces

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  • Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb announces disbanding Digital Media Wing.
  • Zero tolerance for baselss criticism of institutions, journalists, she says.
  • Bilawal to take oath soon; PM Shehbaz to address nation in a day or two, she adds.

ISLAMABAD: Newly elected Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb Tuesday announced disbanding the Pakistan Media Development Authority (PMDA) set up during the PTI government’s tenure.

“An attempt was being made to gag an already muzzled media. But now, whatever shape and form PMDA is working in, we have announced to disband it,” the minister — who took oath hours earlier — told journalists.

Aurangzeb said the coalition government would not allow the imposition of curbs on freedom of expression in the country as she termed the PMDA a “black law”.

She mentioned that the Islamabad High Court (IHC) had termed the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) Amendment Ordinance “unconstitutional” due to the efforts of journalists and PML-N as well.

“So now, we will review this PECA law and take all stakeholders on board in this regard. We will also identify the gaps which are there and were used to muzzle the media,” Aurangzeb added.


Important announcements

  • Disbanding of Pakistan Media Development Authority
  • Disbanding of Digital Media Wing
  • Works to soon be done on journalists’ protection bill
  • Zero tolerance for baseless criticism of institutions, journalists
  • More accessibility of information to journalists

The information minister said for the last four years, the Pakistani society experienced suffocation, may it be in the form of abusive language, targeting of politicians, black laws, or ordinances.

“I think we should now move towards a new beginning as a coalition government has been formed that represents entire Pakistan,” the information minister said.

‘Zero tolerance’

In response to a question, Aurangzeb said the government has gathered data on the bot Twitter accounts that were being operated to malign the institutions and run trends against them.

“This does not come under freedom of expression as these campaigns are being run through software. There is zero tolerance on such trends and campaigns,” the information minister said.

Aurangzeb warned the PTI that it could not protest outside journalists’ homes just because their government failed to deliver. “There will be zero tolerance regarding this and we have instructed the inspector general of Islamabad to make sure that culprits are published.”

No revenge; president should resign

Aurangzeb noted that the government would not take revenge on its political opponents, but whosoever has done something illegal while in office, action will be taken against them.

With regards to President Arif Alvi refusing to administer the oath to the federal cabinet and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Aurangzeb said the president should be aware of the fact that he is not a member of the PTI, but has a constitutional role.

“…if he cannot fulfil the oath he took while becoming president, then the best option for him is to resign,” the information minister told Alvi, who refused to administer oaths to the coalition government’s members, and in his absence, Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani administered the oaths.

Bilawal to take oath; Shebaz to address nation

Aurangzeb also said confidently that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari was going to London, but once he comes back, he would take his oath as the federal minister.

PML-N leader Khawaja Asif had confirmed a day earlier that Bilawal would become the next foreign minister, but the PPP chairman did not attend today’s oath-taking ceremony.

Apart from Bilawal, nine other federal and state ministers from PPP took oath today, including Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah, Syed Naveed Qamar, Sherry Rehman, Abdul Qadir Patel, Shazia Marri, Syed Murtaza Mahmud, Sajid Hussain Turi, Ehsan ur Rehman Mazari, and Abid Hussain Bhayo.

The newly elected information minister added that the prime minister would also address the nation in a day or two and would announce the government’s long and term goals.

Accountability crucial for govt

At the outset of her first press briefing after becoming the information ministry, Aurangzeb said during the previous government’s tenure, Pakistan’s media industry went through a dark phase, facing a financial crisis, the firing of journalists, muzzling of freedom of expression, censorship, and other problems that the journalists faced.

The journalists were shot and abducted during PTI’s tenure, she said. “…Absar AlamMatiullah Jan, Hamid Mir, and Asad Toor all faced troubles in the last four years, and I stand in solidarity with them,” the newly elected federal minister said.

She noted that accountability by the media was crucial for the government as it helps the rulers rectify themselves and serve the people better.

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May 9 tragedy: Anchors reflect on loss and condemn memorial desecration.

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As the nation commemorates the one-year anniversary of the tragic events of May 9, anchors from various media platforms shared their moving views on the significance of the day and the martyrs’ enduring impact.

“The martyrs of any nation are the crown of that nation,” stated one anchor, evoking the great reverence and respect showered upon those who make the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Another person confirmed their sentiment, stating that nations’ development and progress are inextricably linked to the blood poured by their martyrs.

Anchors paid respect to the fallen heroes’ heroism, emphasising the deep sacrifices made by those who gave their lives in service to the nation. “Martyrs have sacrificed everything for the sake of the country,” stated one anchor, their comments echoing the gratitude felt by millions across the nation.

Nonetheless, amid the mournful memory, anchors expressed outrage about the vandalism of the martyrs’ memorials on May 9. “On May 9, some miscreants burned the memorials of their martyrs to fulfil the nefarious purposes of unknown people,” shouted one anchor, criticising the brazen act of disrespect.

As anchors reflected on the nefarious goal behind the attack on the country’s installations, the question of motive loomed big. “Who did we please by attacking the country’s installations, and what kind of protest was it?” asked one anchor, emphasising the importance of accountability and justice.

Anchors emphasised the importance of quick and decisive action, calling for all those engaged in the desecration to face justice. “All those involved in such mischief must be brought into the Kfir role,” said an anchor, unwavering in the face of such heinous deeds.

Amid the condemnation, anchors underlined the great debt owed to the martyrs who gave their lives for Pakistan. “Martyrs have sacrificed their lives for this land of Pakistan, which is their favour to us,” acknowledged one anchor, their comments a sad reminder of the debt owed to those who have given everything for their country.

As the country reflects on the events of May 9, anchors emphasise the necessity of remembering and commemorating the martyrs’ sacrifices. “Nations that forget their benefactors are obliterated by the attributes of history,” warned one anchor, emphasising the timeless need to preserve the memory and legacy of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Anchors were together in condemning anyone who would strive to undermine the nation’s unity and strength, taking a firm position against any danger to national integrity.

“Anyone who would assault our national integrity under the pretence of protest is in no way forgivable,” said one anchor, their comments a clear call to unity and vigilance in the face of adversity.”

Finally, as the nation honours and pays tribute to the May 9 martyrs, anchors emphasise their unshakeable commitment to honouring their memory and upholding the principles for which they fought so heroically. “To the extent that army men sacrifice for us, they have no personal gain,” declared one anchor, capturing the attitude of selflessness and sacrifice that marks Pakistan’s martyrs’ legacy.

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Families of army martyrs want justice for the May 9 mayhem.

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As the nation commemorates the sombre anniversary of the May 9 tragedy, the families of the dead martyrs continue to deal with tremendous loss and a sense of injustice.

One year after the heartbreaking events, their anguish is apparent, and their tears attest to the lasting pain of loss.

The relatives of the martyrs expressed their feelings in emotional professions of love and remembrance, their voices filled with emotion. “I am proud that Allah chose my son for martyrdom,” remarked the mother of Captain Taha Hashmi Shaheed, echoing her son’s steadfast dedication and sacrifice.

However, despite their pride, worries about the legacy of those who gave their life for their country persist. “Did the sacrifices of these martyrs go in vain?” said another weeping mother, her pain echoing that of countless others who have lost loved ones.

For the families, the destruction of the memorials created in memory of the dead soldiers on May 9 was an inexcusable act of contempt. “The desecration of the martyrs’ memorials on May 9 was intolerable,” lamented Captain Mohammad Aqib Javed Shaheed’s sister, her grief obvious in her words.

Calling for justice, the families encouraged the government to take immediate and decisive action against those guilty for the tragic events of May 9. “I appeal to the government to take strict action against those responsible for May 9,” Captain Mohammad Aqib Javed Shaheed’s sister pleaded, echoing many others’ feelings.

The families felt great betrayal, and their faith was challenged by the conduct of individuals who desecrated the memory of their slain heroes. “The tragedy that happened on May 9 is highly condemnable,” said Naik Islam Kashif Zuberi Shaheed’s sister, her words tinged with disbelief and outrage.

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Another IHC court orders contempt action against nasty campaign.

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Another letter has emerged from the Islamabad High Court, highlighting a rising trend of aggressive campaigns against the court.

Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani has also written to the IHC chief justice, requesting him to file contempt of court proceedings against individuals involved in the alleged smear campaign.

This event follows a similar letter delivered yesterday by Justice Babar Sattar to the chief justice of the Islamabad High Court, suggesting a concerted effort among judges to address what they see as an attack on the judiciary’s integrity and authority.

According to officials in the judiciary, Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani emphasised the importance of taking action against anyone guilty for spreading misinformation or engaging in activities that are considered contemptuous of the court.

In response to Justice Sattar’s letter, the Supreme Court issued a significant ruling on Monday regarding the judge’s social media campaign. The court has announced that contempt proceedings will be initiated in response to the alleged hostile campaign against Justice Sattar.

According to reports, Justice Babar Sattar wrote a letter to IHC Chief Justice Aamir Farooq about a social media campaign against him. The court then decided to treat the letter as a contempt of court action.

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