Topic: Freedom of the Press
Country: Pakistan
Delegate Name: Caroline Sawatzki
School: Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Pakistan position papers GLIMUN 2009 committees
The Islamic Republic of Pakistan would like to address the United Nations regarding the freedom of the press. The allegation that the government represses the media in Pakistan is entirely false. Freedom of the press is of great importance to not only the President of Pakistan, but to our government as a whole. The Islamic Republic of Pakistan’s government magnanimously offers such freedom under conditions that the media is not used to slander, defame, or disparage the government, religion, or politicians of Pakistan in any way. Pakistan feels that such an agreement is not only reasonable, but favorable to the Pakistani people. In order to circumvent such activity, Pakistan has implemented a series of laws and regulations governing both printed and electronic media. These acts are not meant to repress the ideas and opinions of the Pakistani people or to keep ignorant of government activities but to ensure that the media is free from offensive material.
Pakistan feels that accusations of a repressed media are fallacies contrived by those who would lead others to believe that Pakistan is a backward country with archaic views and beliefs. It should be noted that the progress of Pakistani media and the myriad of contemporary improvements in this arena have yet to be mentioned by critics of our laws governing the press.
Similar to the successful media in Pakistan, we believe that freedom of the press is an important global issue. We are committed to ensuring the ability of the press to report accurately, and we are equally as committed to preserving the ability of state governments to lead their people safely. Accordingly, Pakistan will support measures that responsible provide free press and maintain national sovereignty.
Respectfully submitted,
The Islamic Republic of Pakistan
