June 06, 2007	Wednesday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 20, 1428

ISLAMABAD, June 5: Government and private channels have reiterated their resolve to uphold the integrity of the country and its armed forces, judiciary, religions, and social and cultural values.

A meeting between the Ministry for Information and Broadcasting and the Private Broadcast Channels discussed recent developments in government-media relations. The meeting agreed that all broadcasts and programmes would avoid aspersions on the judiciary and the armed forces.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Durrani said the freedom enjoyed by the media would continue and no attempt was being made to curb the freedom of expression.

He emphasised that the government took pride in having pioneered the establishment of private TV and radio channels in Pakistan and considered it a source of strength for both democracy and accountability.

Owners of TV channels demanded necessary amendments to Pemra laws to make them in consonance with the principle of natural justice that nobody should be condemned unheard, which was a basic fundamental and constitutional right of every citizen.

They also emphasised that broadcasting of any TV, cable and radio network should not be suspended or prescribed abruptly and their licenses and transmission should not be suspended or revoked without prior show-cause notice to them and providing them opportunity of hearing and defence.

They pointed out that curbs on media were against the right of freedom of expression and access to information and should be done away with.

The TV channel owners said they had the constitutional right to seek amendments to certain existing Pemra laws which they said were inimical to the freedom of expression.

It was agreed at the meeting that journalists would be provided with facilities and security in the discharge of their professional responsibilities.

Meanwhile, speaking at a press conference, Mr Durrani said the government had no intention to place any curbs on the independence of media.

Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Senator Tariq Azim was also present on the occasion. Mr Durrani said freedom of the press was priority of the government. He claimed that the government had taken the electronic media channels on board regarding the Pemra ordinance and the issue would be resolved amicably through dialogue.

The minister said that during a meeting, he had discussed the Pemra ordinance with the executive committee of the Private Broadcast Channels.

He said the ordinance would be tabled in the relevant committee of parliament for debate and afterwards it would be presented in parliament for approval so it could become a law.