The joint committee of the media organization have totally rejected the proposed Pakistan Media Deve­lopment Authority (PMDA) and termed the concept an unconstitutional and draconian law against the freedom of press and expression.

In a joint statement, representatives of media organisations said that the impression was given that the media organisations had no serious objections to the PMDA.

All representatives were unanimous in rejecting The PMDA draft . The ministry is continuously trying to give the impression that sections of the media fraternity are supporting the ministry on this draconian attempt to muzzle the press. This should be stopped immediately.

The statement said that all the delegates jointly rejected the PMDA and termed it as a step toward imposing the state control to regulate all segments of media under an over-centralised body.

They said the move to bring all types of media organisations under state control through one body indicates an authoritarian streak.

Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry says that PTI came into power because of the media and that the incumbent government stands with the freedom of expression and free media.

Earlier, after a meeting with CPNE at Aiwan-e-Iqbal Lahore, Fawad Chaudhry said that the ordinance was under discussion regarding media belongs to previous governments.

He said there was a need to work on a framework for social media regulations, media workers and other issues.