PM committed to Press freedom
ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that everyone should reaffirm one’s commitment to promote fundamental human rights including freedom of expression, speech and press.
In a message on World Press Freedom Day to be observed on Monday, the Prime Minister said civil society, media and other stakeholders should play their role in furthering freedom of press. He said the World Press Freedom Day celebrated on May 3 each year marks the significance of freedom of expression in any democratic society.
It also highlights the role of independent media in advancement of ideas, which can bring about a positive change. It further facilitates the process of transparency and accountability essential for socio-economic and political stability in the country, he added.
The Prime Minister mentioned that freedom of expression encompassed the concept of freedom of information as duly recognised by the United Nations as early as 1946. He said access to information had long been enshrined as part of basic human right of freedom of expression in major international instruments like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that the fundamental right of freedom of expression encompasses the freedom to “seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers”, he added.
He said the freedom of expression and access to information served as the basis for meaningful engagement in public debate and decision-making processes which directly impacted the lives of the people. The freedom of information therefore represents an important instrument for the public to hold the Government and other institutions accountable. The media in Pakistan had played and continues to play its due role in this regard, the Prime Minister said, adding freedom in any form had limitations meaning thereby that it had to be discharged with responsibility.
He pointed to Article 19 of the country’s Constitution, which clearly guarantees the rights of freedom of expression to every citizen but also determines the parameters of responsibility. “We all need to strive together and reiterate our resolve that every one of us would use our rights and fulfil our responsibilities for the greater benefit of our people and our country,” the message concluded.
Source: The Nation
Date:5/3/2010
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