ISLAMABAD, June 7: The government’s decision to suspend implementation of the Pemra Ordinance 2007 promulgated by president on June 4 evolved mixed reaction on Thursday and some media personnel described it as government’s retreat under tremendous pressure generated by nationwide protests.

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz had held a marathon meeting in Islamabad with the top media executives on Wednesday night to discuss the concern expressed by various media bodies across the country over the promulgation of amended Pemra ordinance.

Among others, the meeting was attended by the chairman of Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA), Mir Shakilur Rahman, president of the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), Hameed Haroon, APNS secretary general Mohammad Aslam Kazi, and Arif Nizami also of the APNS.

The government side was represented by federal Minister for Information Mohammad Ali Durrani, Secretary Information Syed Anwar Mahmood and PML secretary general Mushahid Hussain Syed.

The delegation of the PBA and APNS argued that the ordinance had caused countrywide resentment among the people. They demanded withdrawal of the ordinance.

Both sides agreed that the ordinance promulgated on June 4 would be reviewed in totality by a six-member committee comprising three members, one each from PBA, APNS and the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) and three senior government officials from the federal Ministry of Information, Ministry of Law and Pemra.

The government will abide by the decision of the committee which will submit its report to the prime minister soon.

The prime minister assured the media delegation that all actions in this regard would be taken in a spirit of mutual tolerance and in accordance with principles of justice.

The report of the committee will explore all alternatives and options or a modified ordinance with attendant rules and regulations.

The prime minister reiterated the commitment of President General Pervez Musharraf and the government to preserve, protect and promote free media in the country.

It was agreed that the report of the committee would be submitted to the prime minister within the shortest possible time. Till such time, the proceedings under the Pemra Amendment Ordinance, 2007, will not be initiated against electronic media.