KARACHI, Feb 18: The All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) has strongly condemned the publication of blasphemous caricatures by Danish and European newspapers and termed it an abuse of freedom of press and expression which is a cardinal principle governing civilization.

The condemnation came in a resolution adopted by the APNS executive committee at a meeting held in Lahore under the chairmanship of the APNS president, Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman.

According to a press release, the APNS said freedom of expression had natural boundaries and limits and should be exercised with a sense of responsibility. It could not be used as a cover to engage in a slanderous tirade against personalities that commanded the highest reverence of religious communities across the world.

The APNS called upon professional organizations of publishers, editors and journalists across the world to evolve a code of conduct for the press and other media emphasizing responsibility and respect for cultural and religious sensitivities while exercising freedom of press and expression.

In another resolution, the APNS noted with concern that the provision of Press, Newspapers, News Agencies and Book Registration ordinance 2002 in respect of granting titles of newspapers by DCOs was being flouted without any check. DCOs in different cities were taking decisions in disregard of the clear provisions of the law.

The APNS decided to hold its 18th awards ceremony by the end of March 2006 when President General Pervez Musharraf would be requested to be the chief guest.