By SPA
Islamabad : A spokesman for the Information Ministry has rejected the mission report of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the South Asian Media Solidarity Network (SAMSN) as contrary to facts and not reflecting the proper context of the media freedom in Pakistan.
The media in Pakistan enjoys unparalleled freedom in the history of the country, the spokesman said in a statement.
All the newspapers are free to report according to their editorial policy. All private TV and Radio Channels are on air without any hindrance and are following the internationally recognized code of conduct practiced all over the world, he said.
As regards the withdrawal of two media laws, the spokesman said that the issue was discussed by the Ministry of Information with the representative bodies of the newspapers and it was agreed that clauses of concern to the media in these laws would be withdrawn.
In return, the media bodies would furnish their nominations to make the Press Council functional and also send their recommendations for the required amendments to these laws.
While the Ministry of Information has fulfilled its commitment and sent its recommendations for the required amendments in the Newspapers, News Agencies, Books Registration Ordinance, 2002 as amended on November 3, 2007, the response of the media bodies is still awaited, the spokesman said.