By IRNA
Islamabad : Pakistan new government on Wednesday decided to withdraw tough curbs on media imposed by President Pervez Musharraf imposed when he proclaimed emergency in November, the Information Minister said.
According to Musharraf’s press ordinance, newspapers and television channels were banned from publishing or broadcasting pictures of suicide bombers or their victims, or statements by militants.
The order also outlawed any material that defames, ridicules or disrespects the head of state, members of the armed forces or the executive, judicial and legislative organs of the state.
Sherry Rehman told a news conference that the federal cabinet decided to withdraw restrictions on the media and the parliament will formally withdraw the laws in its meeting on Thursday.
Many communication lines were cut and private television broadcasts were blacked out in parts of the country when the emergency was imposed.
Police in Islamabad had also raided the offices of a private television channel and attempted to confiscate broadcasting equipment.
“It is a gift from the new government to the journalists,” Sherry Rehman said.
Media groups welcomed removal of curbs and said that the decision would ensure freedom of expression.