C.P. No. 3506/2020
spirit
of
15
the
Constitution.
Therefore,
the
constitutional
values,
fundamental rights and the principles of policy laid down under
the
Constitution enjoy a symbiotic relationship with any statutory framework
including the one regulating media content i.e. Sections 20(c) and 27(a) of
the PEMRA Ordinance, the PEMRA Rules 2009, the PEMRA (Content)
Regulations 2012 and the Electronic Media Code of Conduct-2015. This
statutory framework has to be read subject to the Constitution.
24.
We wish to underline that the members of the Councils of
Complaints while applying the constitutional and statutory standards
must always view the media content through the lens of the constitutional
value of tolerance. “Tolerance” is an essential preambular constitutional
value that assumes more significance in the context of freedom of
expression and right to information. It is a multifaceted concept and at its
core, tolerance refers to the ability or willingness to accept and respect
differences in opinions, beliefs, customs and practices among individuals
or groups. This can include differences in race, religion, culture, gender,
sexual orientation, political ideology and other aspects of human diversity.
Tolerance promotes understanding, harmony and coexistence among
people
with
diverse
backgrounds,
fostering
open-mindedness
and
empathy. In a broader sense, it is an essential aspect of democratic
societies, as it supports freedom of expression and the exchange of ideas,
ultimately contributing to social cohesion and stability. It is important to
note that tolerance does not necessarily imply agreement with or
endorsement of the opinions or beliefs of others; rather, it is about
respecting their right to hold those beliefs and coexist peacefully. The
standard of tolerance in a society can be influenced by several factors.
Societies with a tradition of valuing diversity and inclusivity tend to have
higher levels of tolerance. In these societies, people are more likely to be
accepting of differences and supportive of equal rights for all members of
society. Societies that emphasize education and promote awareness of
diverse cultures, religions and ways of life, tend to foster tolerance among
their citizens. By understanding different perspectives and experiences,
people are better equipped to appreciate and respect the diversity within
their society. In some societies, tolerance is enshrined in the legal
framework through anti-discrimination laws, human rights protections
and equal opportunity policies. These measures help to create an
environment
in
which
tolerance
is
promoted
and
intolerance
is
discouraged. The standard of tolerance in a society is not static; it can
change over time as a result of shifting cultural values, political climates