The Standing Committee of the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) on Saturday deliberated on challenges to press freedom, the arbitrary use of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), the practice of linking government advertisements with favourable coverage, and the growing distinction between professional journalists and self-styled media practitioners.
Members from across the country endorsed a resolution presented by Ali Ahmed Dhillon, urging the government to ensure that no FIR or action under PECA is initiated against any journalist without prior consultation with media bodies or review by a neutral committee.
On Friday, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar praised the media's role in countering Indian narratives during the recent Pakistan-India conflict, describing the period as "extraordinary circumstances".
He stressed that Pakistan's strength lay not in numbers or resources but in "having the truth." "The truth cannot hide or be countered," he said.
Senior member Dr Jabbar Khattak stressed the need for a code of ethics for CPNE members to ensure self-accountability. He added that unrestricted access to information was essential to combat the menace of fake news.
The meeting was attended by CPNE President Kazim Khan, Senior Vice President Ayaz Khan, Secretary General Ghulam Nabi Chandio and other office-bearers.
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