PRESS RELEASE

Date: 6^th June, 2007

 

Parliamentarians Commission for Human Rights strongly

condemns the current efforts of Government to curtail

freedom of Media

 

Islamabad: Freedom of expression, including access to information is the fundamental human right of the citizens of Pakistan. This right has been protected in national constitution as well as international law. Article 19 of Universal Declaration of Human Rights declares that “everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression: this right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information through any media of his choice”. Article 19 of Constitution says that,” Every citizen shall have the right to freedom of speech and expression, and there shall be freedom of press”. Media has a key role in development of democracy in any society. It is only through active contribution of media that any society gets informed and involved in public policies. The full enjoyment of this right is the most effective force for the strengthening of peace. Once freedom of expression is lost, all other freedoms automatically become futile.

 

PCHR strongly condemns the recent amendments in PEMRA laws providing for more and more penalties on electronic media. PCHR also condemns the registration of police case against media persons and social activists who were peacefully demonstrating out side the Supreme Court.

 

Chief coordinator PCHR Shafique Chaudhry remarked that restrictions on media imposed by government are not only against fundamental rights and freedom of expression but are also a breach on provisions of constitution because the law does not allow the government to ban or block transmissions and deprive citizens of their right of access to information. He further remarked that media should be free to inform people about the doings of their government. Free and independent media serve as a vehicle for sharing information in order to facilitate good governance. It generates opportunities to gain access to essential services, promote accountability, counter corruption, and develop the relationship between an informed, critical and participatory citizenry and responsive government.

 

Talking about the important role of media he emphasized that only free and independent media is associated with poverty eradication, strengthening of basic human rights, a stronger civil society, institutional change, political transparency, support to education, public health awareness and sustainable livelihoods.

 

Referring to the intimidation of journalists and electronic media personals, members of Parliamentarians commission for Human rights stated that censorship on media and press from government is shocking. Therefore, PCHR shows its solidarity with journalist in their struggle for the fundamental rights of freedom of press and assures about all moral support to the journalist and media. PCHR has decided to raise this issue in the parliament during new current session of National assembly.

 

PCHR executives also urged upon the government to act wisely in this crucial time of national history. Government is trying to destroy institutions and trampling over the rights of media and press. They remarked that in the national interest government should work for strengthening the rule of law.