ISLAMABAD: Freedom Network (FN) and Institute for Research Advocacy and development (IRADA) have criticised government’s efforts to contain media freedom through a proposed parallel judicial system.
In a joint press statement, they said the move to erect a parallel judicial structure is unjustified as platforms are already available for taking up any complaint against violation of media ethics.
The proposal to establish media tribunals is yet another attempt to increase pressure on the media, they said, adding there seems to be a camouflaged purpose behind the move that goes beyond the suggested of re-addressal of complaints.
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These organisations said the federal government’s announcement of setting up special tribunals for taking up complaints against media without prior consultations with primary stakeholders, shows mala-fide intention to bring the already beleaguered journalism in Pakistan under increased pressure.
It is extremely worrying to note why the government is in a haste to table the bill when by its own admission no single stakeholder was consulted.
Blaming government for not consulting the concerned stakeholders they said that it is extremely worrying to note why the government is in a haste to table the bill when by its own admission no single stakeholder was consulted.
The two organisations said in a democracy, first the primary stakeholders’ opinion and proposals are invited before taking any final decision. The government proposal speaks of a dictatorial mind-set in which a decision is already made before consultative process is kicked off.
They said Dr. Firdous Ashaq Awan, advisor to Prime Minister who revealed the plan, in a press conference did not explain why these tribunals were necessary and that currently operational platforms addressing such complaints would get redundant once the tribunals began working.
The Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) has also termed the move based on “hidden agenda” of the government. The idea of establishing media courts echoed in July this year invoking sharp criticism from all Media Forums. Media is already going through tough times due to policies of the government and through this decision, they are trying to put more restrictions and bans on media.
Dr. Awan, the adviser to Prime Minister Imran Khan on Information and Broadcasting, at a news briefing in Islamabad on 17 September 2019 said the prime minister has ordered that a bill envisaging formation of media tribunals be tabled in the current National Assembly for a healthy debate on the issue.
She claimed the government will sit with the media organizations on the matter at later stage.
Government’s proposal has invoked new debate in all print and electronic media. Almost all the media organizations are expressing their concerns over government’s move.
