The Access to the Media Act, 2022 was adopted by President Dr. Arif Alvi, and it required all stations to present a newscast with sign language interpretation.
The President stated that in accordance with the act to improve the accessibility of news bulletins for the hearing impaired, no news bulletins will be broadcast on privately owned or state-run broadcasters without sign language interpreters.
Dr. Arif Alvi approved the Deaf People’s Access to Media Act 2022, according to a statement from the President’s Office. After the Act’s implementation for six months, no news broadcasts will be permitted on any public or private electronic media, private TV channel, cable TV, or any other media without a Pakistan Sign Language interpreter, the statement said.
Furthermore, it issued a warning that after a year, no drama, movie, or another image program would be permitted on any public or private electronic medium, private TV channel, cable TV, or other medium.
The bill to improve the accessibility of news updates for those with hearing issues was adopted earlier this year by the Senate’s standing committee on information and media.
According to media reports citing a WHO report, roughly 5% of the world’s population suffers from some sort of hearing impairment. Pakistan, with a population of over 200 million, would have at least 10 million deaf or hard-of-hearing people.
