Press freedom to be upheld: Musharraf | Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)

Pakistan Press Foundation

Press freedom to be upheld: Musharraf

ISLAMABAD- President Gen Pervez Musharraf has assured that press would continue to enjoy unprecedented freedom despite being irresponsible and biased at times.

“I feel sorry and some time I am really annoyed to see biased and irresponsible reporting by some newspapers but I assure you that despite that there will be no attempt on our part to restrict the freedom of the press.”

Musharraf said he had always welcomed healthy criticism and would continue to do so in future because he believed in the freedom of press.

“I am all for the freedom of press and you do not have to worry that this unparalleled freedom will be snatched by my government at any stage,” he assured. However, he agreed that it had paid a lot to his government by not touching the press and that people of Pakistan were wise enough to judge “who is wrong and who is right.”

The president said all he wanted was that people should verify their facts before finalizing their stories and articles. He said Minister for Information Nisar Memon, his Press Secretary Maj-Gen Rashid Qureshi and Secretary Information Anwar Mahmood were always available to provide any information about the government and its policies.

“My people are accessible and you can always approach them for any clarification or details and I believe this is a good way to avoid unsubstantiated news items or articles,” the president added.
Source: Dawn
Date:4/26/2002