March 16, 2008	Sunday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 7, 1429

RAWALPINDI, March 15: A three-member fact-finding mission of the International Federation of Journalists discussed with President Pervez Musharraf issues pertaining to safety and security of journalists in Pakistan.

During a meeting with the president here on Saturday, the delegation termed the media environment in the country “forward-looking” and agreed that there was a need for national dialogue on ethical journalism.

IFJ general secretary Aidan White, who was leading the delegation, informed the president that the expansion, openness and expanding media would have a positive impact on democracy.

The Brussels-based International Federation of Journalists is the world’s largest organisation of mediapersons.

Aiden White termed his visit to Pakistan “productive” and said he found that media in the country was enjoying freedom.

President Musharraf agreed with the delegation on the need for a dialogue on ethical journalism in the country.

The President said he would continue to look forward to openness and freedom of expression.

The other two members of delegation were Sunanda Deshapriya from Sri Lanka and Mike Dobbie from the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance in Australia. Mr Deshapriya also represents the International News Safety Institute.

First established in 1926, the IFJ represents around 600,000 members in more than 120 countries.