The Committee discussed in detail "The Motion Picture (Amendment) Bill, 2024" introduced by Mr. Murtaza Solangi, the then Minister for Information and Broadcasting in the Senate sitting held on 25-04-2024. During the meeting, the Committee discussed whether or not specific powers should be granted to the proposed Board under the Bill. After deliberation, the Chairman of the Committee recommended that the relevant changes be incorporated into the draft bill and brought back to the Committee for further consideration for the next meeting review.

The Senate Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting received a detailed briefing from officials of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Ministry of Interior regarding the number and nature of cases registered under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), with a special focus on journalists, media professionals, dgital content creators, and social media activists.

Ministry of Interior informed the Committee that there are currently 689 FIR registered under PECA throughout the country, including the 9 FIR registered against the journalists. The Committee was further informed that out of nine journalists one has been arrested while seven are out of country. The Committee directed the Ministry of Interior to provide detail of FIR lodged against the journalists and their complete reason in the next meeting.

While discussing Point of Public Importance regarding “Grievances of Journalists” raised by Senator Irfan ul Haq Siddiqui in the Senate Sitting held on 15th July 2025 the Committee showed its concern and displeasure on mishandling of media persons by police. To address the issue, the Committee recommended the Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting to call upon the journalists, Punjab Police including the concerned police officer and senior police officer and address the issue of mistreatment of journalists and reach out the amicable solution.

Additionally, the media community was also advised to engage constructively and attend relevant meetings to work towards a mutually agreeable resolution of the issue.

The Senate Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting discussed the long-standing issue of delayed salaries and pensions of Pakistan Television (PTV) employees.

The Secretary of PTV informed the Committee that while salaries and pensions are often delayed, efforts are being made to clear dues gradually. He shared that PTV's annual expenditure stands at Rs. 8.8 billion. The Chairman of the Committee expressed serious concern over the situation and remarked that even the security company hired by PTV has not been paid yet. He questioned how the organisation could ensure its own security if it fails to pay its guards.

In response, the PTV Secretary stated that out of Rs. 190 million owed, Rs. 60 million has already been paid, and the remaining amount will also be cleared soon. She added that the matter has been formally taken up with the Ministry of Finance.

The Chairman further highlighted that despite financial challenges and employee hardships, PTV hired new employees, questioning whether the organisation considered the future financial burden this would place. The Committee directed to provide detail and rationale for recruiting the employees during last five years in the Ministry considering the financial position of it.

Furthermore, the Senate Standing Committee expressed serious concern and strong displeasure over the reported mistreatment of a media person. The Committee questioned why the concerned officer had failed to appear before the Committee despite being summoned, and emphasized that such issues should be resolved without delay. Taking a firm stance on the matter, the Committee recommended the suspension of the officer involved and called for a formal inquiry to be initiated against him. The Committee reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the rights of journalists and media professionals and urged all authorities to handle such matters with the seriousness they deserve.