APNS protests ban on daily ‘Dopehar’
KARACHI- The APNS has strongly protested on the arbitrary ban on the publication of daily ‘Dopehar’ by the Islamabad administration and termed it as a contravention of freedom of press enshrined in Article 19 of the Constitution of Pakistan, says a press release.
The Secretary General APNS, Kazi Asad Abid, in a statement flayed the action taken by the chief commissioner, Islamabad, wherein the publication of Islamabad eveninger, daily Dopehar has been suspended for one month under the decoration law of Press and Publication Ordinance (PPO) 1963 promulgated by Ayub Regime.
He said the action has been taken against a news item appeared in the publication under the heading of “Differences in the federal cabinet”. The news item appears as a normal story, which is no way cause public alarm, frustration and despondency.
However, APNS secretary general said, if the news item was not correct, the authorities have all the rights to contradict it but such an action is entirely uncalled for and amount to contravention of freedom of press.
It is strangle that on one hand, the present government has repeatedly ensured that the press in Pakistan was free and the government was prepared to tolerate any criticism by the press, on the other hand, the Islamabad authorities have reacted sharply on a routine matter, which reminds the practices adopted by the past dictatorial regimes, he added.
Kazi Asad Abid said the action by the Islamabad authorities negates the tall claims of the government and its various assurances given at national and international platforms. He urged on the president of Pakistan and the secretary Information to immediately withdraw the ban imposed on daily ‘Dopehar’ and ensure that the freedom of press will be respected in letter and spirit.
Source: The News
Date:1/3/2002
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