Present setup to usher in new era of media freedom: Sherry Rehman

ISLAMABAD : Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Sherry Rehman Thursday said the present coalition government was well aware of the problems of media persons and it was working to usher in a new era of media freedom. “Freedom of media is not a gift of government but a hard earned right. We believe in complete freedom of speech because present setup led by Pakistan Peoples party (PPP) always supported cause of media,” she said while addressing a meeting with columnists and editors.
“Our government wants to engage media on permanent basis and the consultative meeting with columnists and editors is a step in this regard,” she said.
Sherry Rehman said such consultations are also important to remove misunderstandings, adding that the government wants good wishes, guidance and cooperation from media.
The Minister assured that the government would not create any hurdle in the way of licensing process for any channel, rather it would continue its efforts to facilitate and promote media. There will be no delay in the issuance of licenses to TV channels, she added.
The Minister said Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has been made facilitator and added Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto started the liberalization process of media and “we will remove all those laws which can hinder media freedom.”