‘Govt will continue its freedom of expression policy’ | Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)

Pakistan Press Foundation

‘Govt will continue its freedom of expression policy’

Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority ISLAMABAD:

The government will continue to maintain its policy of freedom of expression, said President Gen Pervez Musharraf on Tuesday.

“The government will continue to pursue its policy of providing electronic and print media the maximum freedom,” he said, while presiding over a meeting of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) at the President’s House. However, he said, the media should “discharge its responsibilities keeping in view the supreme national interest”.

The president said that a large number of private TV channels were operating in the country due to the liberal media policy of the government, adding that, “This policy will be maintained.”

“The government has never imposed restrictions on the media despite the fact that it is targeted by the media,” he said. He said that the media had a vital role in promoting democratic norms in the country, adding that media should perform its obligations in a “befitting manner”. “The rules introduced by PEMRA should be implemented, as the authority has enhanced the country’s image at the international level,” he said.

PEMRA Chairman Iftikhar Rashid briefed the meeting about the working and performance of the authority. He said that licenses had been awarded to a number of new channels and FM radio station, while a PEMRA bill is also under consideration in the National Assembly. Pakistan Muslim League President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, Federal Information Minister Muhammad Ali Durrani and PML Secretary General Mushahid Hussain also attended the meeting. online
Source: Daily Times
Date:2/14/2007