‘Only true democracy to ensure freedom of expression’
ISLAMABAD: Rejecting government claims on media freedom, prominent journalists and media professionals Wednesday said only true democracy with people’s voice heard could ensure independence of media in the country.
Senior journalists, Fozia Shahid, C R Shamsi, Nawaz Raza and Wadood Qureshi shared their views during a seminar held here on the issue of current media situation, challenges faced by journalists and the recent acts of violence against journalists by the law enforcing agencies.
The seminar was organised by Action Aid Pakistan, an NGO, for the freedom of expression and mark solidarity with journalists, especially the victims of violence by the law enforcement agencies on September 29.
Guest speaker, Khadim Hussain, gave background of unfortunate events of September 29 and threw light on the history of violence against journalist and media persons in Pakistan. Role of media as a watch dog in a public interest was also elaborated and the need for free and independent press and media was urged.
Journalists’ reiterated the importance of free press and freedom of expression for ensuring a democratic and peaceful society. Participants included journalist, reporters, and photographers from all leading newspaper and TV channels of the twin cities. They shared their individual experiences with the law enforcement agencies during the course of press coverage during critical situations and reiterated the importance of free press and media in restoring peace and democracy in the country.
Participants, speakers and organisers of the event wore white armbands proclaiming “stopped violence against journalists” as a peaceful protest against manhandling, mistreating and a loss of property of journalist on September 29. Representatives of Pakistan Federal Union of journalist, Islamabad press club, and other Journalists’ bodies were also present at the occasion.
Source: The Post
Date:10/11/2007
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