PAL-C Applauds New Government's Move to Lift Media Restrictions

Washington D.C., April 11, 2008 – After months of calling for the lifting of media restrictions, PAL-C is pleased that Pakistan's new government has moved to withdraw the restrictions on the media that were imposed by President Pervez Musharraf last year.

Minister Sherry Rahman has introduced a parliamentary bill proposing to end the ban on live broadcasts.

It also proposes to scrap punishments for journalists who "defame" the president, the government or the army.

Radio and TV news, and any criticism of the government, were banned when emergency rule was imposed in November.

Journalists have protested against the media restrictions.

The restrictions included jail terms and fines for those responsible for live programs or any publication that the army and the government finds defamatory.

"The amendments will remove the entire apparatus of restrictions imposed on the press," Information Minister Sherry Rehman told reporters.

Ms Rahman said the media will be free to broadcast.

"We will put our own house in order and we will allow the press to broadcast not just live telecast but all that they feel fit to broadcast," she said.

President Musharraf had blocked live broadcasts by several private channels after their televised rallies in support of the chief justice and criticisms of the president and army.

The Pakistani American Leadership Center (PAL-C) is a professional Pakistani-American advocacy organization with an office located on Capitol Hill. It launched the Congressional Pakistan Caucus in May 2004 and works to raise awareness about Pakistani-American interests in Washington policy circles. Our activities include facilitating the Congressional Pakistan Caucus, liaising Pakistani officials and the community with Members of Congress, and mobilizing all Pakistani-Americans at the grassroots level. If you wish to learn more about PAL-C, please visit our website www.pal-c.org or email us at info@pal-c.org.

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