PEMRA Islamabad has achieved a major milestone by resolving a record 637 complaints related to broadcast content and wage issues over the past two years, marking the highest number of cases disposed of by any Council of Complaints since the establishment of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA).
The achievement was announced during the 121st meeting of the PEMRA Islamabad Council of Complaints, highlighting the Council’s efforts to improve complaint resolution and strengthen regulatory oversight of the country’s electronic media sector.
PEMRA Islamabad Sets New Complaint Resolution Record
The meeting was chaired by Syed Muhammad Ali, marking the first session of the newly reconstituted Council of Complaints Islamabad, which was appointed by the federal government on July 20, 2026.
Held at PEMRA headquarters, the meeting was attended by council members Fauzia Shahid, Gauhar Zahid Malik, Dr. Surayya Kanwal Afridi, and Kaiwan Hamid Raja.
During the session, the Council Secretary presented a detailed briefing on pending complaints and reviewed the Council’s performance over the previous two years.
637 Complaints Resolved in Two Years
According to the briefing, PEMRA Islamabad disposed of 637 complaints through 38 Council meetings held over the past two years.
The achievement established a new benchmark for complaint resolution, making it the highest number of cases resolved by any Council of Complaints since PEMRA’s inception.
The complaints primarily related to broadcast content and wage issues, reflecting the Council’s role in addressing matters concerning Pakistan’s electronic media sector.
Council Reviews Earlier Recommendations
The Council also reviewed the implementation of recommendations made during previous meetings and sought updates regarding holders of landing rights permissions and the distribution of foreign television channels across Pakistan’s broadcast networks.
Members discussed measures aimed at improving regulatory compliance and strengthening oversight within the electronic media industry.
Recommendation on Foreign Television Channels
During the meeting, the Council recommended that PEMRA ensure all distribution network operators strictly comply with Sections 19 and 19(2) of the PEMRA Ordinance (Amended), 2007.
The recommendation seeks to ensure that only foreign television channels holding valid licences are carried by distribution networks, safeguarding the public interest while promoting a fair and transparent media environment.
Strengthening Media Regulation
The Council emphasized that effective implementation of regulatory requirements would enhance oversight of both domestic and foreign electronic media content broadcast in Pakistan.
By strengthening compliance and improving monitoring mechanisms, PEMRA Islamabad aims to support a more responsible, transparent, and well-regulated electronic media landscape while protecting viewers’ interests and ensuring adherence to the country’s media laws.
