President General Pervez Musharraf on Tuesday while honouring the judgement of the Supreme Court said the four pillars of the state; judiciary, legislative, executive and media need to coexist with harmony, within their particular domains.
"These four pillars have to conduct their roles without fear or favour. They must exist in harmony with each other," the President said while addressing the launching of "new look of PTV" aimed at converting the PTV-I into PTV Home and PTV World to air news round the clock.
Regarding presidential reference against the Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry, President Musharraf said it was his constitutional obligation to forward the reference to the Supreme Judicial Council.
He said he always held the judges in highest esteem. "I accept the judgement of the judiciary and honour it," he said. He said personal egos must not be a part where national interests are involved and added "independence of judiciary is essential for the running of a government."
The President said he had personal relations with the Chief Justice. "We had family ties and hope to maintain same harmonious ties in future." He said that he was never for politicisation of the judiciary and decided all matters on merit.
President Musharraf said he believed in the freedom of judiciary and all the appointments in superior judiciary during the past seven years were made on merit.President Musharraf said media was an important pillar along with judiciary, legislature and executive and was playing a crucial role in a democratic society.
The President said Pakistan was passing through turbulent times in terms of fighting terrorism, and the media, especially PTV was required to play an important role in this regard.
He said the media must be up against the terrorists while reporting news and should deny space to them for projecting their views. "The media must not convert terrorists into heroes. Report the news, but deny space to them," he said.
He asked the media organisations not to demoralise the nation and avoid creating despondency and despair amongst the people of the country. The President said it was also media's responsibility to project the true spirit of Islam before the world, and promote the viewpoint that terrorists were not the true representatives of Islamic teachings. President Musharraf said the country was enjoying great economic upsurge, however it was not being properly projected in the media.
He said the media needed to project the ongoing tremendous development in the country, which would attract foreign financiers for making investment. He mentioned some areas including industries, road network, water projects, telecommunication, information technology and gem and jewellery, which underwent tremendous growth and said such achievement should be given due projection in the media in national interest.
"You should project (this development) domestically, nationally and internationally, so that it can boost the morale of our own people." On the forthcoming general election, President Musharraf said the media should adopt a very balanced approach.
The President termed the newly released film 'Khuda key lye' an outstanding movie and said he was proud of the capabilities of its maker Shoaib Mansoor, who is also a product of PTV.
The President appreciating the launch of entertainment channel, he said there was a time when PTV's dramas were popular even across the borders. He said that PTV could regain its superiority, but stressed "there should be no vulgarity."
"Let PTV be a pioneer in clean entertainment so that the entire family can watch its programmes together."
The President referring to the forthcoming general elections said there was a need to adopt balance reporting. "We will have fair, transparent election and PTV has to play a positive role in this regard."
Earlier, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Muhammad Ali Durrani lauded the president for the initiative by the president for freedom of expression and said time has proved that it was the need of the hour.
He said the government despite all challenges and issues provided press freedom. He said the freedom provides a chance to the people to think freely and it also serves to check the performance of the government. He said a free media has also strengthened democratic process and it has provided confidence to the people.
The minister said PTV although a bit late, but was now in the front line to provide best possible information to the people round the clock. The entertainment channel, he said, would provide real entertainment, which will be a source of pride particularly for families who desire a clean infotainment.
The PTV home would provide a confidence and pride to every Pakistani, he added.
The minister said development funds have been increased significantly and will help in setting up Media University - the first in the region, help start ENG service of APP, and will play an important role to project and expand the role voice of PTV and PBC.
He said country's first media university will start functioning in September this year, will be first in the region to provide skilled training in this field. He said the PTV World will provide news with accuracy and responsibility to the public and there will be no hurdle from the government.
Minister of State for Information Tariq Azeem, Secretary Information Anwar Mehmood, Media managers and senior government officials, CEO's of companies and media dignitaries attended the function.
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