Kaira passes the buck to media
ISLAMABAD: Federal Information and Broadcasting Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira reiterated that the government believed in freedom of expression but controversial news reporting about national offices and the honourable judiciary should be avoided in retaining the prestige of prime institutions.
“A section of the press has already been engaged in certain reporting against the national offices and this time a report was filed against the Supreme Court,” he said while talking to reporters Wednesday at the Parliament House. The minister said controversial news reports concerning national institutions including judiciary should be avoided.
“I myself and the PPP government always respect the judiciary and as far as my Tuesday’s statement is concerned, it only aimed at creating realisation about responsible journalism regarding judicial matters,” Kaira said.
Sensible reporting on matters of prime national interest and about the pillars of democracy was necessary to strengthen the institutions and help them in smooth functioning, the minister said.
“We were part of the movement for restoration of democracy as well as freedom of the media… We were also baton-charged like you. Therefore, there is no question of any controversial comments on any pillar of the state,” Kaira said.
To a question about implementation of Supreme Court’s judgement on NRO, Kaira said the government obeyed all orders of the apex court and Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani had already made it clear that the government would go by the rules when detailed judgement is issued.
To another query, the minister said the PPP has already withdrawn its candidate in favour of the PML-N in NA-55 Rawalpindi. “However, controversial comments of the Nawaz League leaders about our leadership can divert PPP workers’ support towards Sh Rashid,” he said.
The minister said the PPP supported working journalists’ rights and preparation of 8th Wage Board was already under way. “We are waiting for Sindh High Court decision over the wage board and as soon as it is announced, the government machinery will move to implement it,” he said.
Kaira said the PPP and the PML-N should exercise restraint and avoid friction, as the country needs political harmony and stability. Talking to a private news channel, he said it was essential to avoid confrontation for the sake of democracy.
To a question, he said at the time of presidential elections the PML-N had fielded their own candidates and the result shows that PPP and its allies have enough vote to get a resolution passed by the parliament.
Source: The News
Date:1/14/2010
” 
” 
” 
” 
