Sherry Rehman vows to ensure freedom of expression

ISLAMABAD : The government believes in freedom of expression and would take all necessary steps to address concerns of the media. Minister for Information and Broadcasting Sherry Rehman said this while talking to newsmen at a reception she hosted here on Sunday for journalists at Peoples Secretariat.
She said the government intends to give maximum freedom to the media and, instead of imposing anything, its criteria would be finalized after consulting all stakeholders.
“Our party respects the journalists community which always supported us in the struggle for democracy. I would also like to host a reception for photojournalists and cameramen to recognize their frontline role in journalism”, the Minister said.
The Information Minister said “If we do not address concerns of the media, it would become very difficult to move forward.”
Sherry Rehman commented that such informal meetings between media representatives and public representatives were very important because the media could guide the government as it always keeps check and balance in the society.
“It does not make any difference whether we are in power or out; basically we are public representatives and like to be among the masses,” she added.
The minister said that mediapersons have always played a responsible role in the society but they still have to be careful and “report complete quotes instead of out of context sentences for making spicy headlines as it was observed in case of PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari’s recent interview.”
To a question about recent violence in Karachi she said that PPP activists had always become main victims of the terrorist activities in the city.
She condemned attacks on former Sindh Chief Minister Arbab Ghulam Rahim and former federal minister Dr Sher Afgan Niazi just before installation of new governments in Sindh and Punjab respectively.
Sherry Rehman said PPP was not in favour of confrontation between the institutions and wanted to carry forward the democratic process with reconciliation.
“Our leader Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto sacrificed her life for democracy and reconciliation in the country; we would follow her foot steps to strengthen the democracy,” she concluded.