Secretary Information Syed Anwar Mahmood has said that the government fully believes in freedom of expression but the press, especially the electronic media, should also show self responsibility. Talking to private TV channel here on Monday, he urged the media to abide by the rules, regulations and code of ethics set by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra).
He said that the electronic media was the most effective and sensitive medium and through the freedom of expression it should project the truth but should also follow the code of ethics.
Anwar Mahmood said that cable operators, while applying for license to Pemra, had agreed to follow rules set by it. He said the government wanted the media to flourish in the country, but as regulator Pemra has some responsibility to ensure compliance with the code of ethics, the rules and procedures in order to ensure smooth functioning.
He said the Supreme Court had directed that no discussion or talk show can he held in the case of reference related to Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry or his petition. But some channels acted otherwise and as regulator Pemra had to ensure that the directions were followed, he said. Meanwhile, a Pemra spokesman told APP that the government has not blocked transmission of any channel in the country.