Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) wants say in Freedom of Information Act
LAHORE- The Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) has expressed deep concern over the statement of Gen (R) Tanvir Naqvi, Chairman, National Bureau of Reconstruction, appearing in a section of the press that the government of Pakistan was working on the freedom of Information Act (also referred to as access to Information Ordinance) which would be promulgated shortly.
The CPNE President, Arif Nizami, has brought it to the notice of NBR Chairman through a letter that the government had not yet consulted the CPNE on this draft ordinance on the freedom of Information. He added that the most interested party on behalf of the Fourth Estate and the reading public is none else but the press. He has, therefore, asked the NBR Chairman to ensure that the draft of the proposed ordinance is sent to CPNE for consultation so that the law is vetted in a meeting with the Ministry of Information and the NBR before it is finalized. Following is the text of the letter addressed to NBR chairman,
“This is with reference to your recent statement appearing in section of the press that the Government of Pakistan was working on the freedom of Information Act (also referred to as Access to Information Ordinance) which would be issued shortly.”
“The Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) had prepared drafts on the press laws including draft law on Freedom of Information Act which were thoroughly discussed with the Ministry of Information. Consequently, two drafts i.e. Registration of Newspapers and Printing Presses and the formations of Press Council of Pakistan were finalized which are pending enactment. It was also decided, that Press Council Ordinance will be promulgated only if the CPNE and APNS proposed Freedom of the Information Ordinance is issued simultaneously.”
“The CPNE is deeply concerned over your statement on the issue as we have not yet been consulted on the draft ordinance on the freedom of Information. You would agree that the most interested party on behalf of the Fourth Estate and the reading public is none else but the press. We would like to request you to kindly ensure that the draft of the proposed Freedom of Information Ordinance be sent to CPNE for consultation/suggestion so that the law be vetted in a meeting with the Ministry of Information and the NBR before it is finalized.“
Source: Business Recorder
Date: 5/19/2001
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