Criticism on army is not tolerable: Durrani
ISLAMABAD (June 03 2007): Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Muhammad Ali Durrani on Saturday said that nobody will be allowed to indulge in negative propaganda against Pakistan and national security institutions, under the cover of press freedom.
“Media is patriotic but at this moment it has to cooperate with government”, he said this while talking to reporters after the certificate awarding ceremony among Information officers who completed their training from the Information Services Academy (ISA). He assured that the government will defend the press freedom, which was given by President Musharraf, and no ban will be imposed on media in Pakistan.
“Media has a positive role to play in the progress and prosperity of the country as well as strengthening the democracy.” Durrani said. He said that the best censor on the media is that which is imposed by the journalists themselves Information Minister said the laws, which are made for the protection and betterment of the country will be implemented.
He said that those people who had tried to enslave the media in past have no right to speak for freedom of press. Durrani added that positive criticism of the government will be welcomed but negative propaganda against national security institutions is not permitted in our Constitution and it will not be allowed.
To a question about the closing of the transmissions of two private TV channels, Durrani said the action of the government is legal and nothing will be done against law. However, he claimed that the government has no clash with these TV channels and that all the issues can be solved through dialogue. “We want that every action should be taken in accordance with law,” Minister pointed out.
To another question Durrani told that he has always issued responsible statements and is not in the habit of speculating political situation. “Strengthening of national security and the protection of national interest is every one’s responsibility”, he maintained. He said that public has not appreciated the way the seminar of May 26 was telecast and people condemned the act of media thorough their telephone calls.
The Minister said that rules of Pemra were made with the consultation of the journalist organisations and the decision to bring the Pemra direct under the Information Ministry has been taken to increase co-ordination.
“The criticism on army is not tolerable and nobody will be permitted to ridicule the national security institutions”, he warned. Federal Minister for Information ad Broadcasting Muhamamd Ali Durrani has said that Pemra can take action on the complaint of government and common citizens.
In an interview with the BBC he said the sanctity of the Supreme Court building was violated and derogatory remarks were passed against Pakistan Army, judges and judiciary proceedings in the seminar arranged by the Supreme Court Bar Association. Durrani said first the media was informed about violation of rules and asked them not to repeat the violation in future to avoid any action against them.
To a question the Information Minister said everybody has the rights to complain against any publishing agency or electronic media and the government has the power to issue warning to the department concerned.
Source: Business Recorder
Date:6/3/2007
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