Press, parliament integral parts of democracy: Wasim
RAWALPINDI: Chairman Senate Wasim Sajjad has said press and parliament are the integral parts of a democratic government, particularly the parliamentary form of democracy. He expressed this while speaking as chief guest at the swearing in ceremony of newly-elected office-bearers of the Rawalpindi Press Club here on Wednesday.
He said the relationship of exchange of informations between the institutions and masses, the collective responsibility of democratic institutions and the press in the accountability of governments for democracy's survival and progress integrate the two in a way beneficial for both.
He said the existence of the press and the democratic institutions were imperative for effective monitoring and providing an accountability system of functioning of the state machinery. The institutions and newspapers that exposed mismanagement, corruption and numerous other evils are praiseworthy, he added.
The chairman said in some cases responsibilities of the press transcend those of the parliament as it has not only to convey the information regarding the affairs of the administration, but also the performance of the parliament to the people. He said some times the press has to discharge its duties in the face of oppression and persecution.
Elaborating the role of journalism, he said it is a mission and not a business. He said the profession demands continued and persistent efforts. He urged the journalists to exercise caution and conduct research in pursuit of a good story because they have create awareness in a society where more than 70 percent of the people are not literate. President RPC Nawaz Raza in his welcome address pledged that the body of the club will work for the welfare of the journalist community and promote progressive journalism.