ISLAMABAD- The Press in Pakistan enjoys unprecedented freedom as the Musharraf government considers it an important organ of the civil society, according to the Information Minister Nisar Memon.

On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, he said President Musharraf’s government firmly believes in people’s right to access to information.

“We believe that people’s access to information is directly linked with devolution of power, which is a cornerstone of our reforms.”

He recounted a number of initiatives undertaken by the government for the freedom of the media.

“We are in touch with All Pakistan Newspaper Society (APNS) and Council of Pakistan Newspapers Editors (CPNE) on the issue of formation of Press Council and Freedom of Information Act and hope that these will be sorted out amicably with consensus of all parties concerned.”

He said, the Press Council will be an independent body.

Nisar said, the Press freedom also applies to the Associated Press of Pakistan which, as a national news organisation, now transmits views of political parties objectively.

The Minister also referred to the unparalleled freedom being enjoyed by Radio Pakistan and Pakistan Television and said the non-government views were never aired as freely as they are being carried now on the electronic media.

“This is evident from radio and TV programmes on all issues including the referendum – these two national institutions presented diverse views on the subject from all shades of public opinion and representatives of various political parties.

He recalled the de-classification of the Hamood-ur-Rahman Report and said the Government is following a policy to provide correct and accurate information to the people.

“President Musharraf is for sharing information with the nation on important national affairs – the Press has been facilitated to have access to government departments as each ministry has a spokesman to respond to their queries and explain decisions and policies.”

In this respect, the Information Minister also referred to the presentation of drafts of ordinances for candid national debate.

“Recently, the draft of police ordinance was put before the nation to elicit proposals and opinions from all sections.”

Nisar referred to the recently formed Pakistan Electronic Media. Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) for allowing private channels and said it will further bolster freedom of expression in the country.

“President Musharraf recognised people’s right to the airwaves of the country in his first address to the nation.”

“The establishment of PEMRA is very important vis-a-vis people’s right to freedom of expression and access to information, the private channels will not only increase choice for people but also bring to them a greater variety of views.”

Particularly, he added, the broadcasting at district levels will very helpful in promoting awareness about local issues and people’s participation in the resolution of their problems.

Source: Business Recorder
Date:5/4/2002