KARACHI, June 1: The Council of Pakistan Newspapers Editors (CPNE) has reiterated its commitment to defend and uphold freedom of the press in order to strengthen democracy and rule of law in the country.

CPNE president Syed Fasih Iqbal said in a statement that electronic media should be facilitated, and not impeded, to do its job freely. If the government, he said, felt that some issues were not being handled properly or that references were being made to the armed forces or judiciary in an improper manner, it should discuss the issues with representative bodies of the print and electronic media in order to preserve freedom of the press and, at the same time, ensure a working relationship between the information ministry and the media.

He also called upon the Muttahida Qaumi Movement to persuade the Mohajir Rabita Council to officially dissociate itself from a press release, purported to have been released by it, containing threats to journalists.

He also offered condolences on the death of Tahir Mirza, former editor of Dawn and CPNE member, and said that a full reference for Mr Mirza would be held in Karachi soon.