ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said on Monday the government is committed to the supremacy of parliament, rule of law and balance of power between various state institutions.

“As regards the issue of restoration of judges our immediate action to free the judges reflected our intentions as we believe that parliament is the supreme body and all important issues should be solved by parliament,” he said while talking to a delegation of the All Pakistan Newspapers Society which met him here at the Prime Minister House.

He said a Parliamentary Committee to give recommendations on judges’ issue would be able to give the best possible solution. The prime minister said despite the fact that the general elections resulted in a split mandate yet it is heartening to observe that democratic and moderate forces have succeeded in achieving substantial majority.

This trend, he said, led to the formulation of coalition governments at the federal and provincial level, which reflect unity through diversity. Hw said the electricity shortage is one of the major crises we are facing today. The policy of the PPP government to set-up IPPs in 1993 was criticised at that time but today we realise that it was a correct decision.

As regards the issue of the restoration of judges, the prime minister said our immediate action to free the judges reflected our intentions. We believe that parliament is the supreme body and all the important issues should be solved by it. A parliamentary committee to give recommendations on judges’ issues, he said, would be able to give the best possible solution.

The prime minister said we want independence of all institutions within the ambit of the Constitution. “We want the Election Commission to be independent since it becomes embarrassing and when we have to assure the International Organisations like Commonwealth, EU etc; that elections in our country would be free and fair. It seems humiliating that we have to defend the mandate of our people abroad,” he said.

The prime minister said the media has an important role to play in the national affairs with responsibility and commitment. He asked the members of the All Pakistan Newspaper Society delegation to extend cooperation, support and guidance to the government as well as the people to face the challenges, with courage and patience.

President APNS Hameed Haroon while congratulating the prime minister on attaining unanimous confidence of the House said that the challenges before the government would require wholehearted attention towards good governance. “The freedom of press/media and the freedom of expression would also require a democratic approach,” he added.

He specifically mentioned four issues being faced by the print media. Firstly, he said, the advertisement policy needs to be improved in which equitable distribution among genuine publications could be ensured. He also asked for revision in the government advertisement rates.

Secondly, he raised the issue of multiple taxes and demanded concession keeping in view the rising prices of newsprint. Thirdly, he asked for resolution of the contentious issue of Wage Board Award on rational grounds. Fourthly, he referred to certain press laws, which he considered are hampering the freedom of expression and free flow of information.

The prime minister assured the APNS Executive Body that all issues confronting the media would be resolved in consultation with the stakeholders. He offered his earnest support to the minister for information and broadcasting and APNS in this regard.

Arif Niazmi who is also President of CPNE, while reiterating abolition of laws, which hamper the freedom of expression and speech said it is also incumbent upon the media to develop self responsibility.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Sherry Rehman while talking to the APNS delegation separately said the federal government would remove all draconian media laws introduced by the previous regime and would facilitate the flow of information through an independent and free media.

She said the government will do all it can to ensure public access to information and will work with stakeholders to dismantle curbs on the freedom of information inspired by the vision of late Benazir Bhutto.

The members of the delegation appreciated the media-friendly measures taken by the new democratic government and assured the minister of their complete support in the endeavours of the government for the establishment of a free, fair and responsible media in the country.

The minister assured the delegation that she would look into the issues raised by them. “The new government would formulate media-friendly policies as announced by the prime minister in his first speech in the National Assembly,” the minister added.
Source: The News
Date:4/15/2008