Written answers

Tuesday, 23 October 2007

Department of Foreign Affairs

Freedom of Expression

10:00 pm

Photo of Mary UptonMary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 93: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position of the Government in relation to the reports of the rights to free expression and dissemination of information in Pakistan being persistently undermined through the arrest of editors and reporters from local and regional newspapers on charges of sedition. [24998/07]

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 321: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has satisfied himself regarding the application of the normal democratic principles in Pakistan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25473/07]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 93 and 321 together.

The Government is aware of, and concerned about, problems in Pakistan relating, amongst other things, to freedom of expression, the dissemination of information, and the ill-treatment of editors and reporters.

These problems have been well documented within Pakistan itself by the Pakistani media and by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan in its annual report for 2006, and internationally by respected international bodies such as Reporters Without Borders, FIDH (the International Federation of Human Rights Organisations) and the Committee for the Protection of Journalists. The issues highlighted include various forms of restrictions on press freedom, restrictions on access to information, pressures from government and other sources, as well as threats to media professionals from all levels of government and extremist elements. A number of cases of killings of media figures, physical attacks, imprisonment, disappearances and various forms of intimidation have been reported.

Any obstacles to freedom of expression, and the media, are a source of concern. Nevertheless, despite the very real obstacles to freedom of expression, there is a highly impressive, strong, vibrant and independent media in Pakistan, which speaks out very openly on all aspects of Pakistani life and politics. We have seen the highly vocal and independent media at work over recent months, covering the suspension of the Chief Justice, subsequent and ongoing events in the Supreme Court, the Presidential election campaign and the return to Pakistan of opposition leaders. This is an enormous tribute to the commitment, professionalism and courage of those involved in the media in Pakistan and very encouraging for the future of democracy in Pakistan.

As regards the democratic process more generally, Pakistan is hopefully on a course back to democracy. But the road to democracy, stability and economic and social development will not be an easy one. Though democratic party politics and traditions are reasonably well established in urban and some other areas, near-feudal conditions exist in some of the more remote rural and tribal areas. Corruption at various levels is also a serious problem, affecting almost every aspect of life, including the political system. And, particularly threatening in the parliamentary electoral campaign, is the subversion and havoc that militants and extremists can create. In addition to an alarming escalation of daily attacks on the military and authorities in border and tribal areas, we have witnessed such events such as the siege at the Red Mosque in Islamabad some months ago and, last week, the appalling massacre that greeted Benazir Bhutto's return to her country. Although such militancy is shared by only a small percentage of Pakistan's population, the ability of the terrorists and radicals to inflict devastating damage is deeply troubling.

While the road back to democracy will undoubtedly a very difficult one, there are, nevertheless, some positive developments worth highlighting: President Musharraf has made a commitment to withdraw from a military role and has nominated a successor as Army Chief of Staff, which increases hopes that here will be an end to military rule in the coming months. The political parties and the public are intensely engaged in what will clearly be a hotly-contested election campaign, while the Pakistan Elections Commission has been working to put systems in place to ensure that these elections are free and fair.

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