Ambreen Jan Named PEMRA Chairperson: Former Information Secretary Takes Media Regulator’s Top Role

Ambreen Jan Selected as PEMRA Chairperson, Set to Become First Female Head of Media Regulator

Islamabad, Pakistan | Chatzyr.net

Ambreen Jan, a former federal information secretary, has been selected as the new chairperson of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), marking a historic moment as she is set to become the first woman to lead the electronic media regulator, pending formal approval.

Her selection was finalized on Friday during a meeting of a parliamentary committee, chaired by Shehbaz Babar, which was convened specifically to appoint the next head of the influential media regulatory body. The committee unanimously approved Jan’s appointment, after which her name was forwarded to President Asif Ali Zardari for final confirmation.

The position had remained vacant since the retirement of Mohammad Saleem Baig, who served as PEMRA chairman from 2018 until stepping down last year.

Extensive Experience in Media and Public Service

A Grade 22 officer, Ambreen Jan brings decades of experience in media management and public administration. She has previously served as Managing Director of Pakistan Television (PTV), Director General of Radio Pakistan, and Press Counsellor to Bangladesh during a diplomatically sensitive period between 2011 and 2018.

Her appointment is being seen as a significant step toward strengthening media regulation in Pakistan, particularly at a time when the electronic media landscape faces rapid change and growing challenges.

Competitive Selection Process

Jan was shortlisted among five candidates for the top PEMRA post. Other contenders included Brigadier (retd.) Anwar Ahmed, Mateen Haider, Irfan Ashraf, and Dr Hamid Khan. After reviewing credentials and experience, the committee reached a unanimous decision in her favor.

Once officially confirmed, Ambreen Jan’s appointment is expected to play a key role in shaping Pakistan’s electronic media policy, regulation, and freedom of expression framework.