Web Desk
The Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND) has raised concerns regarding unofficial censorship, the disappearance of journalists, and unwarranted government interference in media operations in Pakistan. The organization emphasized the need for Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, as the Chief Executive, to fulfill his responsibilities in addressing these issues.
In response to the challenges faced by Pakistani media, particularly TV channels, AEMEND’s executive committee held an emergency meeting. The committee expressed deep concerns over the imposition of unofficial censorship by the government, which hampers the public’s right to information and exerts undue pressure for biased coverage.
The committee’s statement highlighted the importance of independent and unbiased journalism in informing the public about the facts. It emphasized that journalists should not become political tools or act as political workers.
While acknowledging that some journalists, anchors, and media workers may deviate from the principles of journalism, the committee stressed that no citizen, whether a journalist or a political worker, should support their forced disappearances or remain silent about them.
The committee called on the current government, the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), to fulfill its commitment to ensuring press freedom, as they had previously expressed during the opposition era. It urged practical efforts to be implemented in line with these promises.
AEMEND’s executive committee approved the establishment of contacts and consultations to facilitate practical efforts. Following meetings with media stakeholders, a joint committee will be formed to inform the federal government and opposition leaders, including the Prime Minister, about the situation.
In conclusion, AEMEND’s executive committee demanded that Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, as the Chief Executive, take responsibility for improving the situation by engaging with media stakeholders.
