Cancellation of any licence, declaration unacceptable, says CPNE
Asserts Geo transmission blocked, Jang distribution disrupted illegally
QUETTA: The Standing Committee of the Council of Pakistan Newspapers Editors (CPNE) announced on Sunday that it will not accept the cancellation of licence of any TV channel or declaration of any newspaper. It declared that any action against the media freedom will be resisted.
It said the defence ministry’s complaint against Geo was still being heard at Pemra but cable operators had blocked the Geo transmission at many places. It said attempts were being made to disrupt the distribution of Jang, adding that all such activities are illegal and the government is bound to act against the perpetrators of these acts.
It said such illegal acts will generate more problems instead of resolving any and the resultant chaos will severely affect the democratic process. Mujeebur Rehman Shami presided over the CPNE Standing Committee’s meeting. The meeting reviewed the situation arising after an attempt on the life of known journalist Hamid Mir. It expressed concern over the coverage of DG ISI after the attack and demanded that all media houses maintain editorial discipline and make sure that the code of conduct is followed strictly. The meeting made it clear that no media house or newspaper is above the law and any action against them should be taken in accordance with the law and through courts.
It said one-sided actions would not help improve the situation. The CPNE expressed concern over clashes between different media houses and the campaigns they run against each other. It demanded that the PBA take steps to resolve these matters. It said the PBA should set a code of conduct that may help create balance and healthy competition.
The CPNE paid tributes to journalists martyred while performing their duties in Balochistan and expressed solidarity with their families. It demanded of the Balochistan CM Dr Abdul Malik Baloch to provide funds to the affected families as soon as possible and also demanded of the federal government to provide at least Rs1 million each to the affected families.
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