While hearing a case in connection with media’s accountability Justice Jawad S Khawaja remarked that the decision to do work or to establish stations was the task of the government not the court. But the money, which is being provided to this institution, is being provided from the pockets of the public and therefore the court will review it so that this money should be spent in transparent manner and on impartial reporting, Justice Jawad remarked.

The court was told that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting was taking steps for the appointment permanent chairman of Pemra.The council for the Information Ministry presented a report to the court in connection with budget expenditures of the subordinate institutions of the Information Ministry.

The Supreme Court directed to present the expenditures of the Press Council and also provide details of the secret funds of other 27 institutions pointed out by the petitioners. The court is not anti-state institution and if there is any immunity as far as funds are concerned then the court should be told about its justification of its usage, the court remarked. After that the court adjourned the hearing.

Pakistan Press Foundation

“The council has raised the issue of law and order situation and safety of journalists to the officials of the Balochistan government on numerous occasions,” read a press statement issued on Tuesday.

“The PCP is also trying hard to address security fears of working journalists in Punjgor and other sensitive districts of Balochistan, and is having a constant contact with the administration and the Balochistan government in this regard.”

Pakistan Press Foundation