The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its

affiliate, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), in calling for

broader consultations and the active involvement of journalists’ unions and

associations in the formulation of a code of ethics for the profession.

According to the PFUJ, the Pakistan Broadcasters’

Association (PBA) has reportedly sent a draft code of ethics to Pakistan’s

Federal Government for vetting and approval. The draft reportedly covers

contingencies for when the media reports on incidents of “terrorism”.

“The PBA’s approach is questionable as the IFJ believes that

a code of ethics for journalism is best agreed through broad and inclusive

consultations within the media community, and the involvement of the public at

all stages,” IFJ General Secretary Aidan White

said.

“In this regard, we commend the draft code of ethics that

the PFUJ evolved in August 2008 at a national media summit held in Lahore and we

urge the broader media community and its apex organisations – such as the All

Pakistan Newspaper Society, the All Pakistan Newspaper Editors’ Conference and

the Council of Pakistan Editors – to join in the consultations that could lead

to an agreed code.”

The IFJ endorses the PFUJ finding that a code of ethics

evolved by the PBA without taking into confidence all stakeholders cannot be

deemed binding on the large community of journalists.

“A viable code of ethics cannot emerge out of a limited

dialogue between electronic media owners and the Federal Government,” White

said.

“The perceptions of the country’s journalists and the larger

public interest need constantly to be kept in mind if anything meaningful is to

emerge.”

For

further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific

on +612 9333 0919

The IFJ represents

over 600,000 journalists in 120 countries