LAHORE: Deputy Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan and former parliamentary leader Liaquat Baloch has said that the draft PDMA law is dictatorial, undemocratic and against the spirit of freedom of press. Jamaat-e-Islami is strongly opposed to the government’s attempt to control the media and is strong supporter of the journalist community. Independent and responsible journalism is essential for national security, constitutional democracy and parliamentary system. The government is blackening its face to fulfill the aspirations of the powerful class. The government should withdraw the proposed Media Development Authority Act and announce its clear and unequivocal stance in this regard.

Liaqat Baloch said that the movement of lawyers, political parties and civil society for the restoration of judiciary and restoration of judges on merit was brilliant and unprecedented. The judiciary is once again divided. The bar and bench clash is escalating. In the high courts, the appointments of judges are being made on the basis of likes and dislikes rather than principle, or following merit. This course is becoming a major issue of our judicial system. Independence of the judiciary, transparent appointment of judges on merit and reforms in the judicial system are the most important needs of the hour. In his political struggle, Imran Khan repeatedly claimed judicial reforms and free justice, but in practice, three years were wasted on this front as well.

Liaqat Baloch offered condolences on the demise of the wife of Wasim Sajjad, former chairman Senate, former federal law minister and senior jurist. Also expressing condolences on the demise of Rahimullah Yousafzai, a senior journalist and expert on Afghan affairs, he said that the country’s journalism had lost a decent, intelligent researcher and a journalist who had a keen eye on national security and the prevailing situation in the region.

Speaking to reporters after addressing a joint meeting of seven constituencies of the Cantonment Board in Wah Cantt, Liaqat Baloch said that the PTI had tarnished its image and that of the country with its incompetence and poor anti-people performance while in government. The PPP and PML-N have also tarnished the face of the opposition with their vested interests and internal differences. Jamaat-e-Islami will, InshaAllah, get the country rid of the crises.