President Dr. Arif Alvi has signed the Access to the Media (Deaf) Persons Act 2022, which requires all commercial and state-run channels to broadcast news bulletins with sign language interpreters in order to ensure special people’s access to the media.
According to a statement issued by the president’s office on Friday, no news bulletins on the public broadcaster, state- or privately-run electronic media, private tv channels, Cable TV, or any other broadcast media will be permitted after six months of the Act’s implementation. The government will ensure that the Act is followed within a year of its implementation.
The Act requires the government and commercial media organisations to hire sign language interpreters within six months of passing the test. It will go into effect across the country at the same time.
The Senate standing committee on information and broadcasting passed the “Access of Media (Deaf) Persons Bill, 2022” earlier this year.
Senator Saleem Mandviwalla of the PPP introduced the bill, and he briefed the committee chaired by Senator Faisal Javed in detail.
He emphasized the growing sense of isolation among people with disabilities who are unable to watch plays or catch up on news on television.
After the bill was approved by competent bodies, the senator requested the cooperation of the information ministry and the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) for its implementation.
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