While reviewing its earlier decision on the proposed setting up of a press council at in 1995, this Biennial Delegates Meeting is of the considered opinion that in the present conditions when a number of extra-ordinary anti-press laws are still on the statute book and when the government is not prepared to reform the electronic media and state run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) and bound them to a code of ethics, the proposed imposition of a press council and a code of ethics on the print media amounts to a fresh attack on freedom of the press and expression to keep the journalists in a state of perpetual fear that they would not only be working in presence of anti-press laws that already are on the statute book, but by a new set of anti-press laws in the form of a press council. This meeting  recalls that the PFUJ had always opposed the formation of a press council  and adaptation of a code of ethics. While the infamous press ordinance and other extra-ordinary anti-press laws were enforced and it always refused any participation in those schemes.

The meeting strongly feels that no fundamental change has taken place in the conditions which might call for a change in the policy of the PFUJ regarding co-operation with government to formulate an ethical code and the council which the government desires for the print media. 

This meeting further points out that in genuine democratic countries where independent press councils are working on the voluntary basis with no concern and connection with their governments. There exist no extra-ordinary anti-press laws and where electronic media is not under government control.

In the view of these facts, this meeting totally rejects the proposed scheme for a press council and a code of ethics. It considers any participation in this scheme not only a contravention of the PFUJ policy but harmful to the interest of the profession and the journalistic community in general.

This meeting therefore demands:

• All extra-ordinary and anti-press laws be repealed forthwith.
• In pursuance of its manifesto, the government should abolish the ministry of information.
• The electronic media be freed of government control and independent and autonomous  co-operation be formed for television, radio and APP, which should work under the doctrine of fairness, ensuring effective coverage of dissent and opposition.
• The system of press advice be discontinued.
• Political favouritism, bribe or pressure should not be used in the distribution of official advertisement.
• Effective measures be taken against formation of monopolies in the newspaper industry.
• A law be passed in the national assembly to abolish contract labour system and steps be taken for effective implementation of the newspaper (Condition of service) act 1973.