September 28, 2007	Friday	Ramazan 15, 1428

LAHORE, Sept 27: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has expressed deep concern over what it says gradual but consistent muffling of the media and cited the recent official ban on independent television channels to cover the submission of nominations for the presidential elections as an evidence of the government’s ‘systematic campaign’ against freedom of the press.

HRCP chairperson Asma Jehangir said in a press statement that the decision to allow only the state-run media to cover the event was discriminatory and a blatant attempt to keep the public misinformed.

She also criticised the decision taken by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority to bar the independent media from commenting on sub judice matters.

Ms Jehangir said the step was itself contemptuous in the sense that it was the superior judiciary which should decide issues relating to the contempt of court and added that Pemra had gone beyond its jurisdiction.

Demanding its withdrawal, the HRCP chairperson said such a ban violated the freedom of the press.