Press freedom day observed
KARACHI: Freedom of expression along with access to information is a key tool in combating corruption and preventing wrongdoing in governance and access to information is at the heart of the anti-corruption agenda.
This was the concerted opinion of speakers at a seminar on ‘The right to know’ organised by Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) here in connection with the World Press Freedom Day observed on Monday.
Syed Adil Gilani of the Transparency International Pakistan, said that the Article 19 of the Constitution guaranteed the right of expression and now in 19-A, citizen’s right of access to information had also been recognised. “Sweden is at the top of the list of corruption-free countries in the world. This is because in that country, the law of freedom of expression was passed as early as 1766.”
Kokab Iqbal of the Consumers Association of Pakistan (CAP) said the weak culture of access to information was behind the blatant violation of fundamental rights in Pakistan.
Giving an overview of the violation of consumers’ rights, he said the media could a pivotal role in highlighting the sufferings of consumers who constitute the total population of the country.
The moot was told that the freedom of expression was closely linked to the press freedom.
The seminar was presided over by PPF chairman Fazal Qureshi and facilitated by Muqtada Mansoor.
Source: Dawn
Date:5/4/2010
” 
” 
” 
” 
” 
