The All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) has unequivocally rejected the decision of the Federal Cabinet to form special media tribunals as announced by Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister. Hameed Haroon, President and Sarmad Ali, Secretary General of the APNS have stated that the formation of special media tribunals without consultation with the stakeholders in media is a 'black' day for the Pakistan press. The decision is in complete violation of Article 19 of the Constitution of Pakistan. Special courts aimed at intimidating and strangulating the media and freedom of expression are not only unconstitutional but also contrary to the spirit of democracy as envisaged in Prime Minister Imran Khan's 'New' Pakistan - or indeed in any democracy. The APNS calls upon the Federal Cabinet to review its decision. "We also appeal to all media professional bodies and organizations within the press, both print and electronic, to support a call for urging the Prime Minister to intervene and facilitate a serious review of the Federal Cabinet's decision. We also announce our intent to approach the highest judicial and legislative forums to oppose this extra-constitutional measure through all means in consonance with the law of the land".

In a statement issued here, PBA has outrightly rejected the Government's suggestion of establishing Media Tribunals.

In a statement, PBA has taken serious notice of the statement made by Prime Minister's Advisor on Information and Broadcasting, Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan regarding setting up of Media Tribunals. Earlier too PBA had rejected the idea of establishing any Media Courts/Tribunals and had asked the Government to reveal the real purpose behind this proposal. PBA believes that the idea of Media Tribunals/Courts is mala fide, discriminatory and seems to be another effort to control media and restrict freedom of expression. There already exist laws, courts and regulatory authorities in the country to deal with media related issues.

The statement further added that it is shocking that such a proposal is coming from a government that had promised before elections to not only uphold independence of media but to encourage freedom of expression.

The statement further said that already independent media is facing a huge crisis in Pakistan, as the government despite repeated commitments and promises has still not cleared its outstanding media dues. Earlier, PBA along with APNS had met with the Honourable Prime Minister requesting clearance of these dues and were promised that they would be paid before Eid-ul-Fitr 2019. But media organizations continue to face a financial crisis as the commitment has gone unfulfilled. It appears the Honourable Prime Minister is being misled.

PBA requests the Prime Minister to immediately announce the withdrawal of the proposal of setting up media tribunals.-PRs

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019