By Noor Aftab
All political parties should learn lesson from history and put in their best efforts to strengthen democracy instead of looking towards undemocratic forces for their vested interests, said Makhdoom Javed Hashmi, senior vice president of Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) here on Tuesday.
“Our sole aim should be to strengthen democratic institutions and increase their respect in the eyes of the people who have always rendered great sacrifices in the face of adverse political conditions,” he said while addressing as a key note speaker at a seminar held to mark November 3 as a Black Day in the history of Pakistan.
The seminar on ‘Freedom of Press’ was jointly organised by Pakistan Federation of Unions of Journalists (PFUJ), Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) and National Press Club.
Makhdoom Javed Hashmi said the government should understand that passage of National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) would have defaced the democratic face of the country.
Referring to imposition of state of emergency by former military dictator Pervez Musharraf on November 3, 2007, he said political parties, civil society and media joined hands and foiled all attempts of undemocratic forces to introduce curbs on freedom of press.
He said: “Journalists community always stood by democratic forces and every military dictator from Ayub Khan to Pervez Musharraf failed to force their own will on media persons.”
Prominent anchorperson Hamid Mir said some elements are trying to misguide the ruling elite who already know that no black law or restrictions can prevent media persons from doing their professional duties.
He said: “The rulers must realize the state of affairs and avoid taking any step that can put them into such a situation where would only lament over their deeds.”
Showing grave concerns over recommendations of the NA Standing Committee, he said if the democratically elected government pursues the same policies of former military dictator then “it can be rightly said that soul of Pervez Musharraf is still present in the presidency.”
Lauding the efforts of slain PPP chairperson Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto he said she personally visited the protest camps of the journalists in various cities and vowed to provide her full support to ensure freedom of press in the country.
Hamid Mir said four military dictators unconstitutionally ruled the country for 33 long years whereas 15 prime ministers were changed in 27 years in which political parties got the chance to get into power.
Reputed journalist Nusrat Javed said rulers in Pakistan always dislike media irrespective of it whether there is any military dictator or a democratic government in the country.
He said the opposition parties always raise voice for freedom of press but when they come into power they show no tolerance for an independent media.
Anchorperson Asma Sherazi said there are speculations that the government is going to introduce curbs on independent media but “I think a democratic government would not repeat the same mistakes committed by a former military dictator”.
Well-known media person Mazhar Abbas said the journalists still remember the sacrifices rendered by media persons including Nasir Zaidi, Iqbal Jafri, Masoodullah Khan and Nisar Usmani.
PPP leader Dr. Israr Shah, ANP leader Senator Zahid Khan, RIUJ President Shahrayar Khan, President National Press Club Tariq Chaudhry and Secretary General Afzal Butt also spoke on the occasion.