ISLAMABAD - Press Council of Pakistan (PCP) has sought intervention of the provincial governments of Punjab and Sindh to protect media personnel in their respective provinces.
In separate letters to the Chief Ministers of Punjab and Sindh, the Council drew their attention to a number of incidents including murder of renowned journalist in Rawalpindi in March 2009, attacks on some media personnel, a delivery van and offices of news organisations by some unknown persons in Karachi during 2011 and 2012.
According to the letters, the chief ministers were informed that these matters were put up in the combined meeting of inquiry committees of the council constituted under section 16 of the Press Council of Pakistan Ordinance 2002, chaired by Chairman, Raja M Shafqat Khan Abbasi who showed great concern and sorrow over the lethargic attitude of the concerned authorities. The committees were of the view that under Article 19 and 19-A of the Constitution, freedom of press and right to access of information has been guaranteed.
Similarly, under sub-section 2 of Section 8 of PCP Ordinance, 2002, it is statutory obligation of the Press Council of Pakistan “To act as a shield for freedom of press or act against any sort of interference in the proper functioning of the press, in any manner, by any person, party or organization etc”.
Both the Chief Ministers have been requested to look into the matter personally and direct authorities concerned to take legal action against the persons involved in these incidents.