ISLAMABAD, June 7: The European Union (EU) and the European Commission (EC) have expressed their concern over the present state of media freedom and rising cases of intimidation of journalists in Pakistan.
In a statement here on Thursday, the heads of the missions of the EU and the EC in Islamabad said they were “concerned over recent setbacks with regard to media freedom in particular reports about blocked transmissions of licensed cable TV stations and about cases of intimidation of journalists.” They said: “These developments are of particular concern in view of the upcoming general elections.”
They welcomed the government’s decision to suspend the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) Ordinance 2007 and expressed their confidence that further steps would be taken to “safeguard a political climate in which freedom of expression” and media was respected, which was conducive to free and fair elections.
They said that they attached great importance to freedom of expression and freedom of the media as crucial elements for a successful democratic process.
In the last few years, they have had reason to welcome the development of a diverse and vibrant media environment in the country.
