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Specialist Guide to the

Global Leaders in Media Law Practice

Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Amendment) Act, 2023

The amendment has introduced new definitions for ‘disinformation’ and ‘misinformation’ to provide legal measures to counter challenges of false, manipulated, misleading, or fabricated information. It imposes an obligation on the Licensees to pay electronic media employees' salaries promptly, however, non-compliance can lead to the suspension of radio or TV commercials to the licensee. Further, the amendment stipulates that a Council of Complaints must established issues.

Personal Data Protection Bill 2023

The proposed Personal Data Protection bill regulates personal data collection, processing, its use, disclosure, and transfer, along with offenses outlined for violation of data privacy. It further establishes the National Commission of Personal Data Protection and stipulates a framework for the lawful and consensual data collection for online cross-border commercial activities.

Punjab Government Digital Media Advertisement Policy (2022)

This Policy has been formulated to allow Government departments and authorities to execute social media campaigns and advertisements.

The Policy further provides a framework for government advertisements to be released through the Directorate General of Public Relations (DGPR) on credible local and international social media platforms for campaigns and awareness initiatives.

Advertisement Policy 2021 (as Amended in 2022) (Ministry of Information and Broadcasting)

This Policy aims to effectively disseminate government information and raise awareness through diverse media channels.

The Policy covers various forms of publicity, including campaigns, awareness efforts, combating misinformation, and promoting national issues both domestically and internationally. The policy also provides a framework that focuses on enhancing transparency, inclusivity and curbing discretionary powers in public sector advertisements, therefore ensuring optimal value for public funds.

TIER 1

Ali & Associates has leading industry expertise with a high portfolio client base. The firm acts for Disney, TV One, music channel 9XM and Independent Media Corp. In highlighted work the team acted for a subsidiary of Sony Television on the bidding process for exclusive global television rights for Pakistan’s cricket matches, auctioned for the first time for a period of five years. Lawyers have in-depth knowledge of media law and work on cross-sector deals and cases.

RIAA Barker Gillette has two decades of experience in the local legal market, with offices in Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar and Kabul. The firm’s media law focus attracts clients such as Pak Media Communications and Merchant Holdings. Lawyers handle a range of matters involving online media and the music sector, from advisory and transactional to contractual and litigation.

Mandviwalla & Zafar acts for leading broadcasting companies and satellite operators. The team advises on agreements for satellite channels and distribution platforms. Lawyers also advise on regulatory frameworks for establishing television channels.

TIER 2

HaidermotaBNR & Co works closely with its affiliated firm in Dubai, Anjarwala, Collins & Haidermota. The firm’s TMT lawyers work on multiple cases involving corporate and commercial transactions and have significant experience acting for clients in the Middle East, Pakistan, UK and Canada.

Meer & Hasan is one of the region’s most established firms specialising in media law. The firm’s experience includes acting for the BBC in a case of unauthorised representation by a local radio station. In a separate case, lawyers advised on the use of insignias of Pakistan Armed Forces in the popular US television series Homeland, aired by US channel Showtime.

Media sector work at Vellani & Vellani is closely connected with the firm’s intellectual property specialisation. Advising local and international clients, lawyers advise on licensing requirements, the protection of intellectual property rights, investments, regulations and tax.

TIER 3

Founded in 1983, Irfan & Irfan is an established name in the legal market. The firm’s core competence areas are intellectual property, cyber law and e-commerce. Lawyers advise on data protection, online content and copyright. Members of the firm have served on government panels and committees focussed on national laws relating to e-commerce and digital information.

Khursheed Khan’s areas of practice include entertainment, advertising, gaming, theatre and film. With a broad industry focus, the firm’s lawyers advise on television and motion pictures, sports law and joint ventures. The team has in-depth knowledge of digital media, copyright and data protection.

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