Media Laws Dialogue Supports World Press Freedom Day

May 5, 2012

Consul General William Martin with panelists, journalists and students of journalism

Over 70 Karachi-based journalists and students of journalism came together for a vibrant discussion about media laws this morning, at a dialogue facilitated by the U.S. Consulate, in recognition of World Press Freedom Day.

Consul General William Martin, in his concluding remarks, thanked the journalists of Karachi for their work, saying, "I have become a big fan of the Pakistani media. As I meet journalists from all over Pakistan, I am struck by the talent, the imagination, the commitment I see."

The speakers, in addition to sharing their views about media laws, also commented on the Urdu translation of the newly published book Media Lawsby Jane Kirtley, Professor of Media Ethics and Law at the University of Minnesota. The book was distributed among the participants to share scholarly research on the historical evolution of media laws in western societies.

Panelists included Pakistan's leading, seasoned journalists and experts on social media and media laws. Kamal Siddiqui of the Express Tribune and Faisal Kapadia, expert on social media and a blogger himself, lead the discussion for the first session. For the second session, Zahid Ebrahim, media laws expert and advocate of the Supreme Court, joined Ghazi Salahuddin of Jang Group and columnist.

The U.S. Consulate in Karachi hosts and facilitates meetings and discussions that support Pakistani journalists and Pakistani media. As Consul General Martin stated in his concluding remarks, "It is brave people like journalists that will lead change, lead development, through their insights and pursuit of the truth. The visionaries of the press will help realize the vast potential of the people of Pakistan. I am humbled to be here with you.

Mr. Martin further said, "Media is strengthening democracy and making it more representative of the people. Media is amplifying the diversity of voices that makes life such a rich experience for all of us. And all of this is possible because journalists exercise their freedom of speech, their freedom of expression, every day."