It will not be possible for any Pakistani journalists to propagate false information while remaining unaccountable under the proposed Pakistan Media Development Authority bill.
The government will also be able to shut down entire media organizations for propagating false information and bring them before a court of law to answer for their actions under the new legislation.
There will be two types of tribunals: those established by the government, and those whose decisions can be appealed to the Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCP). Journalists convicted of crimes face a minimum fine of Rs.25 million and a maximum sentence of three years in prison.
According to cabinet officials, the Pakistan Media Development Authority would deal efficiently with fake news and hate speech, as well as ensuring that media personnel are paid on schedule. However, the Pakistan Human Rights Commission has expressed worry over the bill and has pledged its support to journalists who are vocal in their opposition of the legislation.
