(PPF/IFEX) – According to information released by PPF on 1 June 1998, restrictions have not yet been placed on political activities or on the press in Pakistan. Mushahid Hussain, Minister for Information and Media Development, offered assurances that the government does not intend to place any restrictions on political rights, including freedom of expression. This […]
(PPF/IFEX) – According to information released by PPF on 1 June 1998,
restrictions have not yet been placed on political activities or on the
press in Pakistan. Mushahid Hussain, Minister for Information and Media
Development, offered assurances that the government does not intend to place
any restrictions on political rights, including freedom of expression. This
is in spite of the state of emergency which was declared in Pakistan on 28
May 1998.
**Updates IFEX alert of 29 May 1998**
Background Information
The President of Pakistan, Mohammad Rafiq Tarar, declared a state of
emergency in the country on 28 May 1998. According to the government, the
state of emergency was proclaimed in view of a threat of external
aggression. The proclamation of emergency was issued following Pakistanâs
nuclear tests.
The enforcement of emergency suspends all fundamental rights and no appeal
can be entertained in any court against suspension. These rights include
freedom of speech and expression, movement, holding of political rallies or
public meetings by any one including political parties or associations and
several other rights as long as the
proclamation of emergency exists.
The state of emergency also suspends Article 19 of the constitution relating
to freedom of expression.
