Government committed to protect legitimate rights of journalists
FAISALABAD- Independent Press is the hallmark of Musharraf government and it is committed to protect the legitimate rights of journalist community, said Ashfaq Ahmed Gondal Principal Information Officer, Government of Pakistan.
He was addressing a meeting of journalists in Press Club Faisalabad. He said that President General Pervez Musharraf in his nation-wide broadcast on October 14 immediately after coming into power on October 12, 1999 had categorically announced to fully respect the independence of press terming journalists as eyes and ears of his government.
Ashfaq said that government has firm belief in independence of Press and is following the same policy with a solemn resolve. About the unfortunate incident of April 14 in Faisalabad, he termed it an individual act, which has nothing to do with the government policy.
He said that President of Pakistan has himself regretted over this incident and an inquiry tribunal has been constituted to ensure justice to the journalist. He hoped that journalists will help in dispensation of justice and assured that strict action will be taken against the responsible people. He also asked the journalists to evolve a comprehensive strategy to discourage recurrence of such incidents in future.
Earlier, Jawed Siddiqui, President Press Club, said that the journalist being responsible segment of the society has launched a most peaceful protestation. He said that the suspension of responsible police officers is must to ensure the impartial inquiry.
Senior journalists Ghazi Abdul Rasheed, Riffat Qadri, Tahir Rasheed President FUJ, Agha Arbab Khawar and Shams-ul-Islam Naz also addressed the function.
Source: Business Recorder
Date:5/12/2002
” 
” 
” 
” 
