Freedom House Commends Pakistan's Suspension of Media Regulations Enforcement
By Khalida Mazhar 'Pakistan Times' US Bureau Chief

WASHINGTON (US): Freedom House, an independent organization working for freedom of civil liberties around the world, has commended Pakistani government's suspension of enforcement of new media regulations.

Jennifer Windsor, executive director of Freedom House, said "it is critical to the country's short and long-term stability that the media works freely.

She added Pakistani media remains both vibrant and vital.

According to Freedom in the World 2007, Freedom House's annual survey of political rights and civil liberties, “While a number of journalists practice self-censorship, Pakistan continues to have some of the most outspoken newspapers in South Asia, and the broadcast sector has become considerably more diverse."

The government in Pakistan, which has witnessed a massive growth of electronic media in the last five years, has reaffirmed that it remains committed to promoting and protecting freedom of the media and stressed that the regulations introduced earlier this week are not intended at putting restrictions on media in any way.

The government officials and representatives of Pakistan Broadcasters Association have also met on the issue of PEMRA Amendment Ordinance 2007 and it has been decided that all options of the Ordinance, promulgated on 4th June 2007, would be reviewed in totality by a six-member committee.

Senior government officials have assured “all actions in this regard would be taken in a spirit of mutual tolerance and in the interest of principles of justice."●