President directs for devising a plan for the protection of journalists
Islamabad; May 3, 2011: President Asif Ali Zardari today directed the Interior and Information Minister to devise a plan for the protection of journalists against violence and threats in the line of duty.
He made these directions while talking to Mr. Robert Dietz, Asia Programme coordinator, Committee for Protection of Journalists, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the defense of press freedom worldwide, who called on him at the Aiwan-e-Sadr today.
He was accompanied by Mr. Paul Stieger, chairperson committee executive board and Mr. Joel Simon. Executive Director, Committee for Protection of Journalists.
Senator Rehman Malik, minister for interior, Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan, Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Ms. Farahnaz Ispahani, MNA, Ms Mehreen Anwar Raja, MNA, , Mr. Taimour Azmat Usman, secretary Information and Spokesperson to the President Mr. Farhatullah Babar were also present during the meeting.
The President while expressing solidarity with journalists on the occasion of world press freedom day that falls today reiterated commitment of the government and the PPP to uphold freedom of the press as an essential element of democracy and said that the government will take all necessary steps to protect media persons from all threats and violence while discharging their professional duties.
The President said that he had already asked the government for vigorously pursuing investigations and prosecution of cases of violence against media persons and punish the perpetrators of crimes in accordance with the law.
The President said that he has also directed the Ministry of information & Broadcasting to devise a scheme for insurance of journalists and photojournalists and provision of life jackets to enable them to discharge their duties safely and without any fear particularly in conflict zones.
The President commented on various steps the government is taking for welfare of journalists and ensuring press freedom in the country which he said includes the establishment of special fund for journalists who lay down their lives in the line of duty. He said a reformed Bill on the Freedom of Information is already before the Parliament which after passage will allow media persons and citizens access to information to expose corruption, wrong doings and violations of human rights in the country.
Mr. Robert Dietz thanked the President for meeting the delegation and for giving directions to set up institutional mechanisms for the protection of journalists.
--
Cordial Regards,
No comments:
Post a Comment