Media is a salient feature of democracy: Fehmida Mirza
ISLAMABAD: Speaker of the National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza said on Wednesday the Parliament of Pakistan strongly believes that independent media is a salient feature of democracy and therefore, it has welcomed its constructive criticism.
She said that media serves as a bridge between the parliament and the public. It should endeavour to impartially report performance of the parliament, Dr. Fehmida Mirza said while talking to members of Parliamentary Reporters Association (PRA) who called on her in Parliament House.
Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that the Parliament represents sovereign will of the people who should know well its functioing. The Parliament should also support their efforts to fulfill their aspirations.
She said that media is an integral part of the parliamentary system and thereby it has a vital role to play in discharge of its obligations
She said that the Parliament and the media should have healthy relationship between themselves to strengthen democratic structure.
She said that the media should always strive to objectively report the activities of the parliament and its standing committees.
The Speaker appreciated the establishment of the body of Parliamentary reporters and extended support on behalf of herself and the National Assembly Secretariat in the efforts to realise its objectives.
She also informed them about the facilities provided to the media by the Secretariat at Parliament House to enable them enhance their performance.
She said that after the establishment of Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services (PIPS), programmes would be held to improve the working of parliamentary reporters and acquaint them with the parliamentary procedures.
The journalists on the occasion assured the Speaker of making every effort to report impartially about the activities of the Parliament.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan (APP)
Date:6/23/2011
” 
” 
” 
” 
