|
UK Lawyers Condemn blocking specific TV channel Programmes, and has demanded for fairness and justice for all as no one is above the law
Association of Pakistani Lawyers a team of Pakistani origin lawyers, Solicitors, Barristers, Judges in UK jointly condemn blocking indirectly specific TV channel Programmes broadcasting in Pakistan at will administratively in the wake of Civil society’s drive for transparency in Pakistan, and APL noted with regrets that the curbs are manipulated on Article 19 freedom in a democratic reign of democratic parties not in military dictatorship.APL executive declared that no one is above the law and has demanded for fairness and justice for all.
APL endorses and encourages freedom of expression, tolerance as enshrined in Pakistan’s 1973 Constitution and considers the right of people of free speech as inalienable. We had supported all journalists when they were under threat post 9th March 2007 and in particular after imposition of emergency post 3rd November 2007, and we reiterate our stand and upholds our tradition and values of supporting a free press and electronic media in Pakistan today. We strongly support the rights of free media and the protection of journalists in Pakistan, who are doing a great job in difficult circumstances keeping people informed when electricity is off most of the time and people are struggling to find basic food ingredients earlier flour and now sugar.
APL strongly condemns this aggression toward media in particular towards GEO, and we hope that the relevant authorities will take appropriate action against those involved and will stand shoulder to shoulder with the voice of free press and electronic media in Pakistan. APL urges the administration of Pakistan, in particular Islamabad to provide additional security to employees of electronic media outlets who are receiving death threats. We encourage other members of civil society to step forward and lend their support in the time of need to Pakistani media and support and protect journalists and staff in this difficult times. APL further observed that Media anchors must also show restraint and responsibility whilst discussing matters of very sensitive nature and impartiality is maintained and other side view must always be encouraged and presented too.
APL has also welcomed the voluntary ‘code of conduct ‘ to be adopted by the media outlets and has suggested for the need of an independent Office of electronic media complaints body separate from PEMRA headed by a retired judge of the Supreme Court for the fair disposal of minor complaints and claims against the electronic media where the public, individual and or corporation has reservation and or has a complaint against a malicious or defamatory new which is incorrect , and was not presented in good faith on the basis of prejudice and or bias unworthy of professional conduct of a journalist.
In the current geo political situation in the country The President must consider an option of reconciliation with the people of Pakistan as current situation desires all heads of constitutional tracheotomy to observe extreme patience and wisdom and be visionary to avoid conflicts which have serious repercussions for the state of Pakistan, and implement ‘charter of democracy’ which is a political will of Shaheed Ms. Benazir Bhuttoo.
APL demanded action against those who whilst in public office dishonestly robbed millions from public purse and or used systematic mal practice to gain financial advantage and APL has called for a mechanism where the state clears the historic backlog of 62 years where charges may have been framed ultra vires and or are subject to systematic delays and accused are in prison for years without fair disposal of litigation against them, and or ensued by them.
APL emphasised that the starting point could be an Accountability process which was agreed in Charter of democracy where Para 13 of the Chapter B talks of a ‘Truth and Reconciliation Commission’ to acknowledge victims of torture, imprisonment, state-sponsored persecution, targeted legislation, and politically motivated accountability, and we are of the view that Commission could be an inaugural step towards accountability coupled with a tougher legislation to deter, discourage and check unbridled corruption in Pakistan . If political will is present, Independent National Accountability Commission as envisaged in 13(d) of the COD may start taking cases as per law on corruption and corrupt practices costing billions to exchequer as early as 1 January 2010 which may ignite a new dawn in Pakistan.
We all hope that Political and Democratic spirited workers, Lawyers, media and Civil society’s contribution is fruitful to bring Pakistan out of this situation and we hope that our voice reaches to those rulers who make decision(s) to listen to it and act accordingly for rule of law, fair and just accountability, justice and supremacy of Constitution to save the federation and country from imminent dangers.
Amjad Malik, MA, LLM
Solicitor-Advocate of the Supreme Court of England and Wales
Life Member SCBA (Pakistan)
Chair Association of Pakistani Lawyers (UK)
00 44 1706 346 011 & personal email at: APLRochdale@aol.com
Mobile: 00 44 7770983308
Office Address
149a DRAKE STREET
ROCHDALE
OL11 1EF
TEL: 00 44 1706 346 011
FAX: 00 44 1706 346012
MOBILE: 00 44 7770 983308
EMAIL: APLRochdale@aol.com
25 November 2009
|