New government in Pakistan moves to lift media restrictions

[pkpatriotic]

The newly elected government on Friday introduced a bill in Parliament to lift curbs imposed on the independent media by President Pervez Musharraf when he declared a state of emergency last year.

As Musharraf imposed a state of emergency in the country, all independent television networks were taken off the air and allowed to resume their transmission only after signing a code of conduct. The crackdown was condemned widely within the country and abroad, and spurred months of protests by media organizations and civil society groups.

It was also seen as a reversal of one of the achievements by Musharraf, who took to power in a bloodless coup in 1999. Musharraf took great pride in fostering an independent, vibrant news media in the country. More than 45 independent television channels sprang up under his rule but criticism of his policies, especially regarding the judiciary, soon made Musharraf lose his patience.

One of the most popular election slogans as political parties opposed to Musharraf campaigned for Feb. 18 elections and subsequently gained an electoral majority, and now they proceed accordingly as per their statements:

"This is a gift of a long struggle jointly launched by the media, democratic forces and the entire nation," Sherry Rehman, the information minister, said during a news briefing after introducing the bill at the Parliament House.

"The Draconian laws that threatened coercive action against the press will be removed via this bill to begin the process of providing a free press in Pakistan," Rehman said.

 

[mujahideen]

Does this bill give the media the right to critize the Armed Forces?