News channels were suspended in national interest: Marriyum Aurangzeb

ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb has said that transmissions of television channels have been restored in pursuance of the directive of Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.

The minister, in a statement issued here Sunday, said that suspending the transmissions was a tough and painful decision, which had to be taken in the national interest after exhaustive deliberations with a view to prevent the spread of chaos and anarchy in the country.

"The step was a sequel to incitement of commotion by certain TV channels," she added.

Marriyum said the government firmly believed in the freedom of expression and the only objective behind the move was to ensure national security. She said that the national interest and security were a shared responsibility of all.

"Ensuring freedom of expression is the obligation of the state but using its responsibly is a far greater responsibility," she stated.

The minister pointed out that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz government had a verifiable record of striving for freedom of expression.

"Everybody is working for national security and ensuring the safety of the lives and property of the citizens," she said.

Marriyum said that the prime minister had ordered restoration of TV transmissions after an agreement on the code of conduct with regard to reporting.