The document discusses media laws and ethics in Pakistan. It provides background on the recognition of freedom of expression and right to information in Pakistan's constitutions over time. The 18th amendment in 2010 recognized the right to information as a constitutional right. Several provinces have since passed right to information laws. The document also discusses international standards on freedom of expression from organizations like the UN, and defines key terms like freedom of expression, freedom of press, and how a free press acts as the fourth pillar of democracy.

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UCP…MEDIA LAWS AND ETHICS 1
(MEDIA LAWS AND ETHICS IN PAKISTAN)
RIGHT TO INFORMATION AND MEDIA LAWS
IN PAKISTA
REFERENCES
Ahmad Sheikh (2016 (International Broadcaster
Journalist/educationist
www.cpdi-pakistan.org.

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BACKGROUND
• In Pakistan, right to freedom of expression and speech
had been recognized by the Constitutions of 1956 and
1962.
• The Constitution of Pakistan, 1973 includes a specific
provision (Article 19) on freedom of expression and speech.
• However, the right to information was recognized as a
constitutional right through Eighteenth Amendment in 2010.
• Nevertheless, the information and media environment in
Pakistan have completely changed during the past decade.
•Currently around, 90 private satellite television channels
• over 140 private FM radio stations are operating in the
country.

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Brief History
Recognition of right to information (RTI) as a ‘‘primary element to
hold an opinion’’ was a development of the 20th century. Prior to
this developments, two developments in the 18th century were quite
significant.
•First was the Sweden s Freedom of Information Law 1766, valid till date‟
• Sweden s law is termed as the premier legal instrument in the world‟
on freedom of information. The First Amendment constitutionally
guarantees freedom of speech, which necessitates free access to
information.

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Freedom to hold opinion and free expression are
fundamental for a flourishing democracy. This right is
recognized by various international
organizations/bodies.
1. United Nations Declaration of Human Rights
(UDHR)
2. The International Covenant on Civil and Political
Rights (ICCPR).
FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
&
FREEDOM OF PRESS

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1. Freedom is an individual act to say something without fear.
2. Freedom is considered as a basic human right.
3. It is a vital tool to establish a good democratic set up.
Right to express one's ideas and opinions freely through speech,
writing, and other forms of communication, but without deliberately
causing harm to others' character and/or reputation by false or
misleading statements.
FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION

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In a broader sense
1.Freedom of press is part of freedom of expression.
2.It is the freedom of the press (news paper, Radio, Tv) to publish or
disseminate public opinion with objectivity.
3. It has close relation with society and Nation,
4. it is ranked as the 4th pillar of state which are in a democratic set up are
a) Executive (Government)
b) Legislature (Parliament & State Assemblies, etc)
c) Judiciary (Supreme Court, High Court & Other Judicial centres)
d) Media (Newspaper, Internet, Blogs & whatever which
expresses the people’s aspirations)
FREEDOM OF PRESS

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Why FOP is ranked as 4th
pillar of state?
Press is considered to have duty towards the society…
1. To educate,
2. To cultivate and reflect public but also
3. To raise its voice against the wrongdoers
4. Expose corruption
5. Act as public representative
6. Work for their right and welfare of humanity.
7. serves as the watchdog of the society. Hence, it is considered as a
*sine qua non for a healthy society.”
*The essential, crucial, or indispensable ingredient without which something would be impossible: “Her
leadership was the sine qua non of the organization's success.
*sine qua non
Explanation
an essential condition; a
thing that is absolutely
necessary. Example:
"grammar and usage are
the sine qua non of
language teaching and
learning"

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Eighteenth Amendment has made right to information a
constitutional right of the citizens of Pakistan.
Previously, entire debate was revolving around the
freedom of information .The Article 19A requires further
legislation to detail out the process of access to information
and list down „exempted information . Therefore, all‟
provinces as well as federal government are supposed to
enact right to information laws for their respective
jurisdictions. Prior to this, freedom of information laws, were
in place in:
1. Baluchistan 2. Sindh and 3. Federal level.
4. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Punjab Provinces enacted
right to information laws in their respective jurisdictions in 2013 after
the Eighteenth Amendment
Right to information (RTI)

9. Right to information (RTI)
The FOI (Freedom of Information) Ordinance was promulgated by the President,
General Musharraf in October 2002 and is applicable to the Federal government
only. Similar laws (replicas of the Freedom of Information Ordinance, 2002)
were also promulgated/enacted in the provinces of Balochistan (2005) and
Sindh (2006). Being limited in scope and application, complicated in procedural
aspects and restricted in providing access to information, these laws were
termed as ineffective by civil society groups. Therefore, when the work on
Eighteenth Amendment of the Constitution started, the civil society campaigned
for recognition of RTI as a constitutional right and Article 19A was added in the
Constitution of Pakistan in 2010. The inclusion of Article 19A changed the
paradigm and debate on access to information in the country.
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UCP…MEDIA LAWS AND ETHICS

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Right to information (RTI) is a primary
element which allows the citizen to
get the required information from
high-ups in the office, when required.
In Pakistan, right to freedom of expression
and speech had been recognized by the
Constitutions of 1956 and 1962. The
Constitution of Pakistan, 1973 includes a
specific provision (Article 19) on freedom
of expression and speech.
Right to information (RTI)
Its an individual act

11. Questions and Answers
• Please share your opinions and
questions
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