The PCP told the authorities that the freedom of press, free flow of information and right to know is the fundamental right of every citizen of Pakistan guaranteed under Article 19 & 19-A of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. It said no one has right to force or put pressure in any way on the media to toe his line and to get news of his choice. It said the freedom of press is to be ensured at every cost.

Under sub-section 1(i) of Section 8 of the PCP Ordinance, the freedom of press is to be preserved. Similarly, under sub-section 2 of Section 8 of the PCP Ordinance, 2002, it is statutory obligation of the PCP “to act as a shield to freedom of press or against any sort of interference in the proper functioning of the press, by any person, party or organisation etc”. Attacks on the media are not only condemnable but are also tantamount to causing interference in the dissemination of information to the general public. Such action is not a good sign and cannot be justified in democratic norms and culture.The PCP requested the concerned authorities to take appropriate action in the matter and provide proper security to media houses.

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He was talking to the Acting Chairman of Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra), Pervez Rathore, in a meeting here. DG Licensing, head of legal and GM operations Pemra were also present in the meeting.

The minister asked Pemra’s acting chairman to ensure smooth transmission of every channel to its prior and original position.It’s the right of the people to watch what they wish to watch through their remote control device, he added.

He said the government believed in the freedom of expression as it was a pre-requisite of every democratic society. He asserted that the government would ensure independence of the media and said neither Pemra nor cable operators had any authority to deprive the people of their fundamental right of watching a channel they liked.

Pemra’s acting chairman assured the minister he would ensure smooth transmission of every channel on its original position and take stern action against those cable operators who were violating the Pemra law.

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