Statement by the Heads of Mission in Islamabad of EU Member States and the European Commission on the current situation in Pakistan

PRESS RELEASE

Islamabad, June 07, 2007

Statement by the Heads of Mission in Islamabad of EU Member States and the European Commission on the current situation in Pakistan

The Heads of
Mission in Islamabad of EU Member States and the European Commission attach
great importance to freedom of expression and freedom of the media as crucial
elements for a successful democratic process. In the last few years, they have
had reason to welcome the development of a diverse and vibrant media
environment.

While
fully appreciating the responsibility of media to report accurately and within
the framework of an agreed code of conduct, Heads of Mission in Islamabad of EU
Member States and the European Commission
 are
concerned by recent setbacks with regard to media freedom, in particular reports
about blocked transmissions of licenced cable TV stations and about cases of
intimidation of journalists. Those developments are of particular concern
in view of the upcoming election process.

The
Heads of Mission in Islamabad of EU Member States and the European Commission
welcome the Government’s decision to suspend the PEMRA amendment of 4th June
2007 and express their confidence that further steps will be taken to safeguard
a political climate in which freedom of expression and media is respected and
which is conducive to free and fair elections.