IPI concerned over use of ads to stress newspapers
VIENNA: International Press Institute (IPI), global network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in over 120 countries expressed concern over use of advertisements to pressure newspapers in Pakistan to curtail their criticism of the government.
In a letter addressed to President Pervez Musharraf, IPI Director, Johann Frtiz said in February government banned advertising in newspapers belonging to one of Pakistan’s leading media organisations, Nawa-i-Waqt Group of Publications, and other publications.
He added that in past, many of these newspapers had been critical of government and IPI feared that the ban was being used to weaken independent media in Pakistan.
Moreover, IPI believes freedom of expression and freedom of press were of such importance that it must not be suppressed by direct or indirect measures, including use of advertising as a means of leverage over media.
The IPI director said while government had a choice when allocating advertising it should not be guided by malice or favouritism.
In the present case, IPI was worried that the decision, to ban Nawa-i-Waqt Group of Publications, was designed to convey a clear message to Pakistan media that criticism of government could have dire financial consequences.
IPI asked Pakistan government to do everything possible to ensure that this highly selective and unfair ban was lifted to halt further attempts at influencing media and reporting, and to ensure that newspapers were allowed to publish in Pakistan without any further harassment or pressure.
Source: Business Recorder
Date:3/14/2004
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