Daily Times

KARACHI: Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) President Arif Nizami and Secretary General Dr Jabbar Khattak have expressed serious concerns over curbs on freedom of expression, saying that certain unsocial elements are hampering newspapers’ distribution and electronic media transmission in few parts of the country, which is tantamount to media gagging.

“The CPNE will never compromise on freedom of media,” said a joint statement issued by Arif Nizami and Dr Jabbar Khattak.

It is pointed out that Pakistan media is under tremendous pressures despite the law and order situation is much better. These elements include governmental, non-governmental, political, non-political and religious and don’t show their identity at most of the occasions.

CPNE leaders said that media houses and journalists had always bravely been facing attacks, threats, non-judicial abductions, arrests and sometimes even murders but present criminal threats are so council that any media house or journalist can’t even complain rather protest. Numerous restrictions on reporting are also a challenge which also include intolerant political behaviors, fierce and aggressive statements and their negative effects while, respect of difference of opinion is mandatory in creation of an appropriate atmosphere for freedom of media, CPNE leaders continued.

The importance of fair and free media has become more vital as the preparation of general elections stalled

Fair and free elections depend upon fair, free, vibrant media. Pakistan media also has to play due role and discharge its duty by fair, free and unbiased reporting of political activities in true perspective. Besides politician’s performance on task, CPNE emphasized media for self-accountability to make media more credible.

CPNE has unbridled commitment towards freedom of expression and free, fair journalism as expressed on the occasion of annual meeting and urged all media houses and media organizations to come forward to play due role.

Serious concerns were discussed during annual meeting on numerous types of open and hidden pressures, threats, fears and few incidents of torture media and house resolved that cultured, democratic societies give prime importance to freedom of expression through writing or speech and undoubtedly free media construct democratic norms.

Published in Daily Times, May 23^rd 2018.