PUBLIC AFFAIRS SECTION

Press Release

30 November 2007
Remarks by Ambassador Anne W. Patterson at the National Conference of the South Asian Free Media Association, Pakistan

Islamabad,Pakistan

U.S. Ambassador Anne W. Patterson, speaking to the media at the National Media Conference by South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA), at a local hotel in Islamabad today.

President Nusrat Javed, Secretary Mustansar Javed, and other distinguished guests and friends from the journalism community.

Thank you for inviting me to the national conference of the South Asian Free Media Association Pakistan. I am delighted to be in this distinguished gathering of journalists and other media professionals not only from Pakistan but also from neighboring South Asian countries.

The right of the people to speak out through a free press is a hallmark of a democratic society. Journalism is challenging in all societies, in different ways in different countries. What is especially important in developing countries where there might not be as long a tradition of journalism, is to encourage professionalism among new journalists. As an American who believes in our own First Amendment to our constitution – that there shall be no law abrogating--abridging or limiting or preventing -- freedom of the press, I do not believe there should be state control of the news media.

At the same time, journalists have a responsibility to exercise this freedom with great care and must always work to demonstrate that they are responsible. The relationship between a government and the media must be based on the recognition of each other’s responsibilities and obligations and an absolute adherence on the part of the media and government to their respective responsibilities and obligations, i.e. access to public information must be granted unhindered to the media by the government.

Protected from government interference by our First Amendment--a brief, 200-year-old clause in the American constitution, the press has emerged as the self-appointed monitor of official life, recorder of public events, and even unofficial arbiter of public behavior. The constitution’s protections and the tradition of liberty enjoyed in the United States have allowed public expression to be bold and daring.

Let me state the obvious: while the media may currently be restricted in Pakistan, it still operates freely in the United States and other countries. International broadcast, print, and internet news media have highlighted Pakistan’s "instability," danger and arbitrary arrests.

In 2006, President Bush during his visit to Pakistan noted that Pakistan still has a distance to travel on the road to democracy, but praised the lively and generally free press.

He also noted that Pakistanis were free to criticize their government, and that there were a number of political parties and movements that regularly challenged the government. These institutions of civil society are fundamental to a thriving democracy.

As I have said on several occasions, one of President Musharraf’s greatest achievements was the flowering of a free and vibrant media. There is no way to put this genie back in the bottle by cutting off the media now. Let me be clear: the United States has urged President Musharraf to lift the state of emergency, restore the media, immediately release those jailed or detained, and return to constitutional rule.

Pakistan’s media outlets are full of vibrant and talented journalists. Pakistani news organizations increasingly provide a constructive channel for debate and dissent. These media organizations are also profitable and contribute to the economic growth of the country.

It is heartening to note that Pakistan is taking strides towards a fully functional democracy. We especially welcome the historic changes made by President Musharraf this past week – the relinquishing of his military post and fully assuming his role as civilian president. We welcome President Musharraf’s assurance last night that he intends to lift the Emergency on December 16th. These are very important steps in Pakistan’s transition to democracy.

As Secretary Rice has pointed out, and I quote: "In a democracy the citizens should have the assurance that the policies of their government will be held up for criticism by a free and independent press without the interference of their government." Unquote.

The United States supports press freedom worldwide. The United States values freedom of the press as a key component of democratic governance. Democratic societies are not infallible, but they are accountable, and the exchange of ideas is the foundation for accountable governance. In the United States and in many places around the world, the press fosters active debate, provides investigative reporting, and serves as a forum to express different points of view, particularly on behalf of those who are marginalized in society. The United States commends journalists around the world for the important role they play and for their commitment to the free exchange of ideas.

The United States in particular salutes those in the press who courageously do their work at great risk.

The press is often a target of retaliation by those who feel threatened by freedom of expression and transparency in democratic processes.

Journalists are often the first to uncover corruption, to report from the front lines of conflict zones, and to highlight missteps by governments. This work places many journalists in danger, and it is the duty of governments and citizens worldwide to speak out for their protection and for their vital role in open societies.

We call upon the government of Pakistan to quickly lift the curbs on media and immediately permit broadcasters to resume their programming. The media must be free to report on events and share their opinions with the public.

The United States also continues to call on the Government of Pakistan to lift the state of emergency, release all remaining political detainees and lift restrictions on the media in order to set the conditions for free, fair, and transparent elections. Freedom of movement and open debate are essential elements of a free and fair electoral process. The people of Pakistan deserve an opportunity to choose their leaders free from the restrictions that exist under a state of emergency.

In the end, I want to say that I am a great admirer of the Pakistani news media. I read many English newspapers every day and get translations of many Urdu papers and watch TV and listen to the radio. In fact, I really enjoy all the press/media in Pakistan and applaud all for the great strides made every day towards more an independent and responsible media. Thank you all very much for inviting me here to share our mutual concern to for the freedom of the press and media.

See also: U.S. Embassy Islamabad

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