No compromise on Pemra rules: PM
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Sunday said the violation of law by the electronic media would not be tolerated and termed any attempt to defame the armed forces a conspiracy against the country.
“We will not allow anyone to defame the Army as it is our national asset and we are proud of our armed forces,” he said, while talking to newsmen during a visit to a utility store here on Sunday. “The armed forces are not only defending the frontiers but are ready to help the countrymen in all times of trial and natural calamities.”
To a question on the imposition of a ban on the transmission of some TV channels, Shaukat said the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority has the laws and a code of conduct and “the government will ensure that these are followed in letter and spirit”.
“The credit goes to the present government which has allowed many TV and radio channels and our main objective should be the development, growth and prosperity of the country,” he said and added the media had a very important role to play in the development and security of the country. “The TV channels should broadcast discussions and analysis but these should be within the parameters of the code of conduct.”
When the ban on the live coverage of events was mentioned, the prime minister said during the live transmission it is difficult to control the content, which is against the code of conduct. “Those who follow the code of conduct do not need to be perturbed but those who will violate the code will face the music according to the law.”
The prime minister said the government believes in the press freedom and the press should also fulfil its responsibility to the national interest. “The freedom of expression and media should not be used against any other national institution and the media should only project the truth and work for the solidarity, progress and prosperity of the country,” he added.
To another question, the prime minister said the government wants to resolve the Lal Masjid and Jamia Hafsa issues through dialogue in an atmosphere of understanding. However, he said, no one would be allowed to challenge the writ of the government.
He said the Imam-e-Kaaba also emphasised that the matter should be resolved through negotiations and urged the administration of the seminary not to fulfil any other agenda under the garb of religion.
He said PML President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain had negotiated with the Lal Masjid clerics and the process will continue to resolve the matter peacefully.
When asked whether the government will ban the movement of Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry to address different bars, the prime minister said there would be no ban if the movement goes according to the law. Earlier, during his visit to Utility Store, he reviewed the prices, availability and quality of essential items of daily use.
Source: The News
Date:6/4/2007
” 
” 
” 
” 
” 
