(PPF/IFEX) – The Ministry of Commerce of the Government of Pakistan has restricted the entry of media persons into its premises in an attempt to restrict reporting on trade related issues, particularly on the ongoing trade negotiations with foreign countries. According to press reports, the Ministry of Commerce issued a circular on 31 January 2006 […]
(PPF/IFEX) – The Ministry of Commerce of the Government of Pakistan has restricted the entry of media persons into its premises in an attempt to restrict reporting on trade related issues, particularly on the ongoing trade negotiations with foreign countries.
According to press reports, the Ministry of Commerce issued a circular on 31 January 2006 in which the officials of the ministry were directed to avoid meeting journalists, otherwise punitive measures will be taken against them.
This circular said, “It has been notified that the information relating to certain policy issues under consideration of the ministry of commerce has been published in the print media before these were finalized. This has not only put the ministry in an embarrassing position but also created confusion for the general public”.
It further said that as per standard operating procedure, only the official representative of the Ministry of Commerce was authorized to release information to the media.
“The visiting journalists may be politely told to contact the official spokesman if some information relating to the ministry of commerce is needed. Violation of these instructions will constitute ‘misconduct’ within the meaning of government servant (conduct) rules 1964 and dealt with accordingly,” the circular added.
