KARACHI: The Code of Press ethics adopted at a recently held meeting of the C.P.N.E. at Karachi was released to the Press by its President, Mr Majid Nizami, in Lahore yesterday. The Press code deals with the pros and cons of daily news in particular, about the responsibilities of the Press regarding social activities of individuals and classes.

According to the Code of Press Ethics, presentation of news items and comments on events should be fair and objective and there should be no wilful departure from the facts. The Press shall avoid the publication of news or comments, photographs or advertisements which tend to undermine the security of the State or solidarity of the nation.

In reporting proceedings of the National and Provincial Assemblies, such portions of the proceedings as the Speaker may have ordered expunged from the record of the Assembly shall not be published and every effort shall be made to give the readers a fair report of what has been said by all sections of the House.

In reporting proceedings of the courts of law or tribunals, specially the proceedings of trials which have a political significance, care should be taken not to suppress versions or material evidence or arguments presented in the courts of law by either the prosecution or defence. In dealing with the student problem, the Press shall not publish anything which may encourage agitational activities among the students related to non-educational matters provided it does not infringe on the rights of the newspapers to publish unslanted news. In dealing with any labour situation, the Press shall restrict itself to factual reporting of events without in any way encouraging or provoking strikes or any form of disturbance.

Published in Dawn, July 8th, 2015

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