ISLAMABAD, Pakistan- The new government in Pakistan introduced a bill today to remove restrictions recently imposed upon the media.  When he implemented emergency rule in November 2007, President Pervez Musharraf had banned television and radio news, as well as any criticism of the government.

The new bill was introduced by Information Minister Sherry Rahman.  It will remove power from the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority to close down networks, seize equipment, revoke operating licenses arbitrarily, impose fines for violating the industry code of conduct, and interrupt live coverage.

“We will put our own house in order and we will allow the press to broadcast not just live telecast but all that they feel fit to broadcast,” Rahman announced.

Once these changes are implemented, the new government will return its focus to reinstating the justices removed by Musharraf under emergency rule, a task that is proving to be more difficult.

For more information, please see:

Associated Press – Pakistan Moves to Lift Media Curbs – 11 April 2008

BBC News – Pakistan drops media restrictions – 11 April 2008