Historic Approval by Parliamentary Committee
ISLAMABAD: Senior Pakistani civil servant Ambreen Jan has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority, becoming the first woman to head the country’s electronic media regulator. A parliamentary committee approved her appointment on January 2, 2026, marking a milestone for media governance and gender representation in Pakistan.
The committee selected Ambreen Jan from a shortlist of five candidates after a detailed review process. She succeeds Mohammad Saleem Baig at a time when Pakistan’s electronic media sector faces increased scrutiny, regulatory challenges, and rapid technological change. Observers say her appointment reflects growing confidence in experienced bureaucratic leadership to steer the regulator through a complex media environment.
Extensive Career in Media and Public Policy
Ambreen Jan is a Grade-22 officer of the Information Group with decades of experience in media management, public policy, and government administration. Until her retirement in late 2025, she served as Federal Secretary for Information and Broadcasting, the highest bureaucratic post in the ministry. During her tenure, she played a central role in shaping media policy and overseeing state-run information institutions.
Earlier in her career, she held several prominent positions, including Managing Director of Pakistan Television and Director General of Radio Pakistan. Moreover, she served as Executive Director General in the External Publicity Wing of the Ministry of Information, where she managed Pakistan’s international media outreach. From 2011 to 2018, she also worked as press counsellor in Dhaka, representing Pakistan during a sensitive period in relations with Bangladesh.
In recognition of her public service, the government awarded Ambreen Jan the Sitara-i-Imtiaz, one of Pakistan’s highest civilian honours. Additionally, she has represented Pakistan at major international media forums, including the Global Media Forum and events organized by the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
Analysts view her appointment as a significant step toward strengthening professionalism, regulatory balance, and gender inclusion within Pakistan’s media oversight framework.
