KARACHI: “The APNS strongly deplores the decision of the Federal Cabinet on the formation of Pakistan Media Regulatory Authority which is unacceptable to the media and the civil society of Pakistan.

Sarmad Ali, Secretary General of the All Pakistan Newspapers Society has stated that the Executive Committee of the Society at its meeting held in Lahore under the chairmanship of its Vice President, Mehtab Khan has considered the disastrous impact and consequences of the proposed Authority on the media. The members gathered across the country, adopted a unanimous resolution wherein formation of the Authority was termed an arbitrary and anti-media measure intended to curb the freedom of press and control the media through a highly centralized authority. The resolution stated that the proposed Authority is being constructed on the debris of the notorious Press and Publications Ordinance promulgated by the dictatorial regime of General Ayub Khan to strangle the media. The resolution stated that the PMRA is the worst replica of notorious PPO against which, the media and the democratic forces of the country had waged a protracted struggle and forced the government to repeal the black law. The resolution further stated that the proposed authority is grossly in conflict not only with the Article 19 and 19(a) of the Constitution but also violative of the 18th Amendment to the Constitution. The members of the Executive Committee reiterated their resolve that the efforts of the present government to subjugate the freedom of press and expression will be vehemently resisted and all available forum will be used and steps taken to press upon the Federal Government to withdraw the proposed authority and initiate a meaningful dialogue and consultation with the stakeholders to formulate an acceptable media policy.

The Executive Committee authorized the President and the Secretary General to take all appropriate measures to pursue the government to withdraw the proposed authority in its present form. The members also decided to launch an awareness campaign to sensitize the members of the parliament, political parties, civil society and international media watch organizations on the impact of the proposed authority.

Raja Pervez Ashraf, former Prime Minister and Central Leader of Pakistan Peoples Party attended the meeting on special invitation. The Executive Committee members apprised him on the disastrous impacts of the present government media policy and setting up of Pakistan Media Regulatory Authority which will result in curbing freedom of press and expression. The members requested him to play his role to safeguard, independent and objective media in the country. Raja Pervez Ashraf stated that politics and press are integrated to each other. Curbs on press are enforced in dictatorial regimes to silent the dissent voice against ani-people policies whereas the democratic dispensation is only possible with a free and viable press. He assured that he will put all best efforts to safeguard the freedom of press and expression. The Executive Committee approved grant of associate membership to Daily 92 News, Lahore. The members expressed condolence on the sad demise of Naveed Ghaznavi of M/s. The Circuit (Pvt.) Ltd.