950819

PPP's rejoinder

to PML (N) on

Newsline case

ISLAMABAD: The PML (N) should remember its past before shedding crocodile tears for freedom of the press, said Senator Shafqat Mahmood, acting Secretary Information, Pakistan People's Party.

In a rejoinder to a statement of PML (N) Information Secretary, condemning police raids on Newsline office, he said that the people of Pakistan still remember the sedition case that the Nawaz government had registered against Dr Maleeha Lodhi, Resident Editor, The News, Islamabad.

The unfortunate incident in Karachi where the police visited the offices of the monthly Newsline and the home of its editor, Ms. Razia Bhatti, has no connection with the provincial government or the Federal Government, or the Pakistan People's Party. said Senator Shafqat.

As stated by Sindh Governor Kamal Azfar, it is related to an inquiry on a complaint initiated by him as a private citizen. It is probable that since the private complainant also happened also happened to be Governor Sindh, the police may have acted with unusual vigour.

Any zealousness by the police in the pursuit of this private complaint is deplored. It is gratifying that when the Governor was apprised of the situation, he immediately withdrew his private complaint and called off any further action, said Senator Shafaq.-APP