PMDA undermines freedom of expression: BUITEMS Great Debate
Staff Reporter :
QUETTA: Speakers at a seminar have opposed the proposed Pakistan Media Development Authority (PMDA) by the federal government. “Journalists will resist any authority undermining freedom of expression”, Syed Ali Shah, the Quetta Voice Editor-in-Chief said.
A large number of students participated in the Great Debate regarding the proposed PMDA at the Balochistan University of Information Technology Engineering and Management Sciences (BUITEMS). Sumera Khan, the head of the Mass Communication Department BUITEMS, and other faculty members also attended the Great Debate.
Journalists bodies opposing the PMDA
Tariq Khattak, the Assistant Professor Mass Communication department at BUITEMS thoroughly briefed the participants about the PMDA and its implications on the free press. Under this authority, the journalists can challenge tribunals’ judgments against them in the Supreme Court, Mr. Khattak informed.
The students also put different questions before the panel. “Freedom of expression guarantees good governance and socio-economic development of any country”, Syed Ali Shah mentioned.
PFUJ launches a countrywide protest against PMDA
The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has launched a countrywide protest movement against the proposed authority. The PFUJ also staged a protest demonstration outside the national assembly to mount pressure on the federal government to abandon this plan.
The participants of the Great Debate vowed to continue the struggle for freedom of expression and a free press in the country. “The proposed authority will bring all media bodies under one umbrella”, Tariq Khattak mentioned. The journalists across the country have opposed this idea and termed it an assault at the free press.
