Government to resolve media-related issues through talks: Durrani
ISLAMABAD (November 09 2007): Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Muhammad Ali Durrani on Thursday said the government would resolve all issues pertaining to the media through dialogue, taking onboard the working journalists organisations on future developments.
Talking to a delegation of working journalists’ organisations, the minister reiterated the government’s resolve that the media freedom was a hallmark of the incumbent government and this independence would be maintained despite all odds.
Secretary Information Syed Anwar Mahmood and PIO Chaudhry Rashid Ahmad were also present while President Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) Huma Ali led the media delegation.
General Secretary PFUJ Mazhar Abbas, President Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) Afzal Butt, Senior Vice President Fouzia Shahid, General Secretary Ashfaq Sajid and Executive Member Farhat Abbas included the delegation. Seeking journalists’ co-operation, the minister urged them to avoid any unseemly situation that could undo the milestones achieved so far.
The minister said that the Information Ministry was in touch with media organisations including APNS, CPNE, PBA and PFUJ and all matters pertaining to print and electronic media would be resolved as soon as possible.
Clarifying the government position on the ban on the private television channels, Durrani said the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) was an autonomous body and the government can only provide Pemra with policy guidelines. He said Pemra authorities were holding consultations with the private media and soon television channels would be able to air their transmission.
The Minister said the government had not pressurised any print media organisation. Referring to the amended Print and Publication Ordinance (PPO), the Minister said no action had been taken against any journalist under the ordinance.
The delegation said the journalist community was concerned due to the ban on private television channels. They said the community wanted immediate withdrawal of the amended PPO, lifting of ban on private TV channels, withdrawal of notices to the newspapers and appointment of Chairman Implementation Board.
Source: Business Recorder
Date:11/9/2007
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