The Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Sherry Rehman said that media freedom is the most important commitment of the Pakistan Peoples Party manifesto and the government considers media curbs as a violation of fundamental constitutional rights of the people. "This is a democratic government.
We would never supervise any restrictions on the media rather we are committed to protecting media freedom," the federal minister said while addressing a Media Dialogue on Communication for Active Citizenship, organised by the Centre for Civic Education Pakistan in Islamabad.
The Information Minister said that the government's stress on revoking the draconian clauses in the Pemra laws was a part of its commitment to remove legislative hurdles obstructing media freedom. "This was our first legislation in the parliament. It was meant to convey a clear message that we do not support any restrictions on the media.
For seven months now, our government has been rigorously working to create an enabling environment for a free and independent media." The minister said that the government was trying to provide all possible assistance to the media, enabling it to fulfil responsibilities in an effective manner. "We see media criticism as an important component of our accountability process.
It is important for every democratic government that puts premium on good governance to take advantage of media's role as a watchdog." Sherry Rehman emphasised the significance of self-regulation and code of conduct to discourage the possibility of the abuse of media freedom, in the backdrop of the rapid growth of the sector in the country.
"The role of Information Ministry, under our government, would be that of a facilitator. If the media itself demonstrates commitment to the ideals of editorial independence and rejects misuse of power, we have no reason to act as regulators." She said that Freedom of Information Bill would be tabled in the parliament in the coming days after the views of the provincial governments are incorporated in the Bill.
"The purpose behind seeking stakeholders' consultation is to ensure that the law serves the interest of the citizens for a long term. Our government attaches immense importance to this law as we see it as facilitating an environment of open and transparent governance." Lauding the media's role in highlighting crimes against women, Sherry urged the media to maintain a policy of gender balance in all its presentation and content.
"Women should not be confined to the roles of anchors, news-presenters and actresses. They are an equal part of our national life and they must be given the space to express their views on all issues including politics and economics." On the issue of the Wage Board Award, the Federal Information Minister said that the government is committed to promoting the welfare of journalists.
The PPP has always sympathised with working journalists. We have already initiated a dialogue to resolve the issue amicably." Sherry Rehman appreciated the services of the Centre for Civic Education Pakistan for expanding the scope of debate on media issues, and for its efforts for the capacity building of the media.-PR
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