Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Qamar Zaman Kaira on Thursday said media freedom is the most important part of Pakistan Peoples Party manifesto and the government would leave no stone unturned to ensure complete freedom of expression.
"This is a democratic government. We would never supervise any restrictions on the media, rather we are committed to protecting media freedom," the Minister said this while addressing a meeting held here to brief him about the activities of Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) at its Headquarters.
Chairman, Pemra, Mushtaq Malik and senior officials gave a briefing, which was also attended by Minister of State for Information, Syed Sumsam Ali Bukhari, Parliamentary Secretary for Information, Azeem Daultana and Secretary Information, Ashfaq Gondal.
Qamar Zaman Kaira said 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," he added. Kaira said it is important for every democratic government that puts premium on good governance to take advantage of medias role as a watchdog."
He also emphasised the significance of self-regulation and code of conduct in the backdrop of the rapid growth of the sector in the country as presently TV channels in private sector have touched more than 60. This has also provided a lot of employment opportunities.
"The role of Information Ministry would be that of a facilitator. If the media itself demonstrates commitment to the ideals of editorial independence, we have no reason to act as regulators," he added. Regarding councils of complaints, the minister directed Pemra authorities to include citizens bodies and other civil society organisations to make the system more competent. He also informed the minister about the current status of TV, and FM Radio licenses issued so far to different operators in the country.