Government believes in freedom of expression: Information Secretary
QUETTA- Every body has a right over the state-owned media and the government admits this right.
This was stated by Anwar Mahmood, Federal Secretary for Information and Media Development, while speaking at a reception hosted in honour of media men.
Replying to a question he said every one will be given chance over electronic media. He referred to live debates being telecast on the PTV. He said “politicians come over TV, give their opinions and criticise the government and its policies.”
“The government in office has the honour to give freedom of expression and making every sort of opinion by the people, which is a real democracy,” he said, adding “the government can tolerate criticism.”
The Information Secretary said the government was liberalising Pakistan Television (PTV) and Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) and Pakistan Media Regulatory Authority (Pamra) was being formed. “This is in accordance with General Pervez Musharraf’s first speech that media will be made free.”
He said the President has signed a law in this regard and soon its chairman and members will be appointed. It will help those who wanted to establish TV channels and TV in private sectors.
He said: “Private sector is also being encouraged and the government has decided to provide facilities to Pakistani channels operating from outside the country to work in Pakistan.”
Answering a question about the Press and Publication Ordinance, he said for the first time there has been agreement between the Information Ministry and the APNS. “Similarly, they have agreed on the Press Council.”
WAGE BOARD AWARD: About implementation of the 7th Wage Board award, Anwar Mahmood said that the same law provides mechanism for its implementation under which the Wage Award has been announced.
Replying to a question he said by and large the national press played its role according to national demand after September 11 incident. He said certain newspapers could not foresee the situation while the remaining newspapers played their role with great responsibility.
Answering another question he said no editor or journalist accompany General Musharraf to foreign tours.
Source: Business Recorder
Date:3/2/2002
” 
” 
” 
” 
