Journalists demand end to all curbs on press
LAHORE: Journalist community of the provincial metropolis, through a resolution adopted unanimously at the Lahore Press Club (LPG), on Friday demanded of the government to allow the duty-free import of paper and other inputs of the newspaper industry.
The resolution was moved at the hunger strikers, camp at the LPC in connection with the Freedom of Press movement launched by the Committee for the Free Press on February 3.
It was demanded through the resolution from the government to withdraw control of all type at any level on the import, movement or release of newsprint or other necessary materials for any newspaper, periodical or publication in any form meant to disseminate information.
Since the press has, a recognised educational role, all its requirements, including newsprint, printing material and machinery, etc., should be subjected to zero tariff.
It was also demanded that the governments should form bodies which must have due representation of working journalists for the free and unhindered distribution of government/semi-government advertisements to all newspapers, periodicals and other publications in accordance with a clearly defined formula mutually agreed upon on the principle of equity, and for registration of periodicals and the audit of their circulation.
However, no advertisement, tax concession or subsidy should be given by the government or any institution under its direct or indirect control to a newspaper that does not implement Wage Board Award applicable at the time.
Moreover, newspaper establishments that do not employ professional journalists in accordance with the Newspaper Employees Act, 1973, should be blacklisted and must not be allowed to receive advertisements from the public sector.
Employment in any newspaper organisation under a contract, that is a violation of law and the Newspaper Employees Act, 1973, must be abolished.
The government must withdraw its control over the management and policies of the Pakistan Television Corporation and Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (radio), and announce an “Open Sky” policy for the electronic media. APP must also be freed of government control and handed over to a trust managed by media representatives.
No Press Council will be acceptable to journalists. Information Ministry should be abolished and all controls over’ the free flow of information withdrawn’
A Freedom of Information Act must be enforced forthwith to recognise the people’s right to know.
Source: Business Recorder
Date:2/13/1999
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