This afternoon a number of media representatives, reporters, media supporters and directors shared their concerns with Supreme Court Chief Justice Abdul Salam Azimi about the continued violation of the Mass Media Law by Information and Culture Minister Sayeed Makhdoom Raheen.
Participants said the repeated violations adversely affected media operations in the country. Over the last two months of active lobbying, media activists have sought the implementation of Articles 41-43 of the Mass Media Law.
Article 41 requires two journalist representatives on the High Media Councils. The information and culture minister has selected his own appointees and rejected the representatives elected by a free and fair vote of media institutions and outlets.
Articles 42 and 43 of the Mass Media Law call for the establishment of a Mass Media Commission, which the minister has refused to form. Instead for three years now he has maintained the illegal Media Violations and Complaints Assessment Commission. Appearing at a Upper House of Parliament session earlier in this month, Raheen said he would dissolve the commission within a week and establish the mass media commission per Articles 42 and 43.
As of writing, he has failed to keep his promise.
The continued violation of the law by the Information and Culture Minister led to media activists approaching the Supreme Court. Chief Justice Azimi said the media has a right to bring a lawsuit against the minister. He told media representatives that he would speak to Raheen to resolve the issue without a lawsuit.
If the problem persists, we will pursue all options. said Chief Justice Azimi.
