Free media imperative to foster democracy: Sherry

12 Feb, 2009

Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Sherry Rehman on Wednesday vowed to uphold freedom of the press, saying free media can help promote democracy and democratic institutions in the country. Sherry said the government has provided all possible assistance and congenial atmosphere to media, enabling it to fulfil responsibilities in an effective manner, she said while visiting private TV Channel.
The Minister reiterated that media needs to adopt self-regulation and develop code of conduct itself in view of its proliferation in the country and added "whatever media is required we will facilitate it." She said terrorism and extremism was a big challenge for the country and to counter this menace the government was following a comprehensive strategy.
"We have to clearly think about our goals. We have to see how we can further strengthen our democratic institutions," she said, adding it would be the elected government, which with the support of all democratic forces can effectively meet the challenges.
Emphasising the unity among all democratic forces she said it would be a key to ensure stability and tackle all issues facing the country. She said after Mumbai attacks the entire world was looking towards Pakistan adding the government has the ability to ensure peace in the country by defeating terrorism.

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