Publishing/airing courts’ remarks: Kaira appeals judges to stop media
SAFDAR RASHEED
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira on Sunday appealed to judges of higher judiciary to stop media from publishing or airing courts’ remarks during hearing of a case, arguing that this would dispel any misgivings before the final verdict of the court.
Addressing a seminar on “Why democracy is obligatory for Pakistan” here on Sunday at a local hotel, Kaira said that news coverage by different news channels of judges’ remarks could lead to misconceptions and confusion. “Only the courts’ decisions should be published or aired,” he urged.
Kaira said the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) had great respect and regards for judiciary and it had always accepted its verdicts even if those were against the party like the ‘judicial murder’ of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Shaheed or removal of its prime minister.
He said the PPP would support the move if the media persons and the Election Commission prepare a code of conduct for covering elections. The Minister said the caretaker set-up would be formed as per constitutional provisions.
He said that consensus was required between the leaders of the House and Opposition, but opposition leader Chaudhry Nisar had refused to sit with the Prime Minister. However, he hoped that the caretaker set-up would be formed with consensus.
Kaira said the PPP-led government had made fundamental changes in the democratic system and now it was time to deliver. The next government will be able to deliver, he added.
He said the government had removed the roots of terrorism from the country. They were ousted from Swat and Malakand, he added. He said the PPP-led government had devolved powers to the provinces, which had got around Rs 1,100 billion during the last two and a half years under the NFC Award.
He urged the people to elect right people in the next elections as real change could only be possible through their vote. Only public opinion can change politicians, he added. He said the whole nation have to fight against the extremist mindset.
Kaira said there were divisions in the society but the PPP introduced the policy of reconciliation as talks and negotiations were the real democratic way. To a question, Kaira said Musharraf had defaced the Constitution, which had been restored in its original form by the PPP-led government. He appreciated the PJF and said the PPP would support such think-tanks as they were important for a vibrant society.
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