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| Free media necessary for vibrant state: Musharraf | | |
KARACHI, MAY 26
Facing flak for allegedly trying to subdue the media, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has reiterated his support for a free and independent press, albeit within certain "parameters."
The country is in the midst of a political crisis sparked by the suspension of the country's chief justice, and Musharraf's administration is accused by international media watchdogs, human rights activists and opposition parties of pressuring the country's media in the coverage of the turmoil.
Speaking at the launch of Pakistan's first English news channel "DawnNews" here last night, Musharraf said a vibrant, independent and free media is necessary for a country to be ranked as a progressive, dynamic state.
Claiming that his government had pursued a policy of giving more freedom to the media, the president said he always believed that a free press is imperative to promote democracy.
Musharraf also pointed out that there were 50 television channels and about 100 radio stations broadcasting in the country presently, compared to only one television channel - PTV - in 2000.
"We took the decision to grant freedom to the media so that everyone can be held accountable and there is more transparency in running of government affairs," Musharraf said, while recalling that initially there had been opposition against granting licenses for private channels.
Reminding the audience that freedom and the responsibility must go together, Musharraf said while the media should criticise any wrong policies and decisions of the government, "this should be within certain parameters which could be defined through a broad government policy or through self-imposed code of conduct and ethics."
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