| http://www.editorsweblog.org/print_newspapers/2007/12/pakistan_charter_of_media_freedom.php
The
media-persons from both the print and electronic media, representing
various media bodies, various press clubs and journalist unions,
writers and civil society representatives from across Pakistan have
met to deliberate upon the state of media, its freedom, media laws,
safety of journalists, closer and sustenance of media enterprises.
Here are some of the conclusions, objectives, and demands:
Concerned
about the imposition of emergency, suspension of the Constitution
and fundamental rights, erosion of independence of judiciary and
rule of law and its adverse consequences for media freedom, imposition
of two black media laws (PRMRA and PNNABRO), an arbitrary Code of
Conduct for Media, suspension of transmission of private news and
current affairs televisions, prolonged suspension of GEO, continuing
witch-hunt of certain outspoken journalists and media outlets, ban
on import of dish antenna components, attacks on and arrests of
protesting journalists, withholding of government ads and various
methods of intimidation of media industry and working journalists
during the military regime, in general, and since November 3.
We are
of the considered view that:
a) The degree
of access to information and freedom of expression and pluralist
free media are defining elements of a political system. In autocratic
and intolerant regimes, information is restricted on the basis of
the "need to know" and limited to a powerful few. Democracies,
on the other hand, respect freedom of expression and recognize the
right to information that is inclusive and empowers the people.
A free and independent media is a prerequisite of a responsible
and transparent governance and accountability.
b) The media--
as a watchdog of public interest, carrier of information, promoter
of a free and balanced debate—is a most dynamic institution
of civil society and can only flourish in a democracy and tolerant
culture.
c) The freedom
of media, freedom of expression and right to know are embedded in
the universal recognition of fundamental human, civil and political
rights, guaranteed by the Constitution and enforceable by an independent
judiciary;
d) The media
in Pakistan is under threat from state authoritarianism, terrorism
and ethno-religious extremism.
e) The journalists
struggle for a free media is un-separable from the overall democratic
struggle by civil society, bars, intelligentsia and democratic forces
for the restoration of 1973 Constitution in its original spirit,
undiluted parliamentary democracy, genuine federalism, an independent
judiciary, a sovereign parliament and promotion of democratic culture
of pluralism and tolerance;
f) The media
volunteer to be self-regulated by its own professional codes of
ethics under autonomous regulatory bodies formed by major stakeholders
that are absolutely free from the influence of or interference by
the executive/government.
We, therefore,
agree to work together to pursue the following objectives and goals
and demand:
That we demand,
and resolve to work for, lifting of emergency and all curbs on fundamental
rights, including freedom of expression, right to know and free
debate, restoration of the 1973 Constitution in its true spirit,
revival of the pre-PCO independent judiciary, and holding of free
and fair elections while ensuring a level playing field to all parties
to a sovereign parliament and confining the armed forces to their
actual job of guarding frontiers and maintaining security.
That we
demand, and resolve to struggle for, the withdrawal of PEMRA, PNNABRO
(Amended) ordinances and the Code Conduct for Media, restoration
of all news channels, including GEO, without any restriction on
live coverage or particular programs, an end to harassment and victimization
of individual media outlets and journalists, rescinding the ban
on the import of dish antenna and other prohibitive measures. That
we demand, and resolve to purse, restoration of freedom of expression
and freedom of media without any undemocratic restrictions and bureaucratic
restraints and it must be guaranteed against all forms of intimidation
from both state and non-state actors. All laws, including related
to media, shall be amended to facilitate media freedom. |
