November 22, 2007	Thursday	Ziqa’ad 11, 1428

KARACHI, Nov 21: US Consul General in Karachi Kay L. Anske visited the Karachi Press Club (KPC) on Wednesday and expressed concern over curbs on the media in Pakistan, reiterating the US stance that without a free press, there could not be free and fair elections or democracy.

Her visit to the KPC came a day after the police action against protesting journalists trying to march towards the Governor’s House from the press club. Scores of journalists were detained for several hours in different police stations for demanding lifting of all curbs on the media and restoration of major news TV channels taken off air by the government.

Ms Anske said that the purpose of her visit to the KPC was to convey that the United States was very much concerned over curbs on the media and action against political leaders, lawyers and journalists in Pakistan.

She said that the US government had taken it seriously that the two TV channels — Geo and ARYOne — were still off air. “We sincerely hope that they will come back on air,” she added.

“The United States is a strong believer in a free press,” she said, adding that the concept was enshrined in the US constitution.

Ms Anske pointed out that the US president, secretary of state, deputy secretary of state and ambassador to Pakistan had also expressed their concern over curbs on the media before she did.

Addressing members of the KPC, she said that press freedom was a fundamental right in democracy and important for any country.

KPC president Sabihuddin Ghausi and KUJ President Shamim-ur-Rahman were also present on the occasion.

She thanked KPC for extending warm hospitality and giving her the honour of visiting the club and meeting its office-bearers. “This is an honour not easily given to government officials or diplomats,” she observed.