ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said that the apology tendered by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Chief Altaf Hussain over his remarks against the army and state institutions is a good gesture.
In a statement issued on Saturday, he however said that irresponsible statements not only damage the integrity of national institutions but also hurt sentiments of the general public.
On Thursday night, the MQM leader strongly criticized Pakistan’s armed forces and sought help from the Indian intelligent agency ‘Research and Analysis Wing (RAW)’, triggering a new controversy and condemnation.
Later, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) condemned Hussain’s remarks about the Pakistan army, and terms them “uncalled for and disgusting”. It also announced to pursue the matter legally.
The prime minister in his statement also urged media to follow the code of conduct showing responsible attitude in its reports. He said that it is responsibility of the government to safeguard respect and honour of the armed forces of the country.
Nawaz Sharif asked them to take special care in future avoiding publication or broadcast of irresponsible statements which are against the national interest.
On Friday, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) issued show cause notices to 14 television channels for broadcasting a provocative speech of the MQM leader.
The television channels were directed to immediately evolve a mechanism for delaying the broadcast to avoid such embarrassing situation.
