The “Declaration on Media Freedom; Media Laws” called for the removal of all restrictive measures on media work by state and non-state entities.   It also demanded an amendment of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) Ordinance of 2002 pertaining to contractual matters between the state and broadcasters as well as increased access to government records.  

Addressing legislation on fundamental rights, such as freedom of information and expression, the declaration dictated that all laws should be adopted via a bipartisan consensus of both parliament houses and should include consultation with media and civil service representatives.  According to Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan, the media should fight for their rights by resisting any pressures against them.

SAFMA asked for support from citizens, civil society organizations, bar associations, political parties, elected representatives, and parliamentarians.  Attending lawyers pledged to get the declaration endorsed by their representative bar associations, and Hafiz Hussain Ahmad of the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) plans to share it at the opposition’s all-parties conference.

Source: The Daily Times through Google