CPNE calls for lifting curbs on media

In a meeting with Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar, a delegation of the Council of Pakistan Newspapers Editors (CPNE) has expressed concern over the curbs on the freedom of press and expression particularly in Balochistan province.

According to a press release issued on Friday, the delegation led by CPNE Senior Vice President Anwar Sajidi urged the newly elected government to take notice of this situation.

CPNE Secretary General Ejazul Haq noted that the media as the fourth pillar of state has been playing its role in strengthening democracy and ensuring economic progress.

The delegation assured the information minister that the media will continue to play its role in helping the newly elected government in its efforts to find a solution to the economic issues facing the country. It emphasized that restrictions imposed on the media must be lifted so that it may play its role effectively.
Minister Tarar told the delegation that the government is cognizant of the importance of the print and electronic media and wants to strengthen them.

He said the government believes in freedom of expression and press and cannot even think about imposing restrictions on the media.

However, social media, he said, has emerged as a major challenge as it is adversely affecting the morals of the new generations. "There is a need for new rules and regulations to regulate social media," he said.