FREEDOM OF OPINION, EXPRESSION AND INFORMATION

Since the re-instatement of party-based elections, the climate regarding freedom of expression in Pakistan has somewhat improved. However, the country's history of ubiquitous, arbitrary and brutal reprisals against those who have exercised this right remains institutionalized in many repressive laws and regulations, only some of which have been repealed. The Constitution of Pakistan does not acknowledge the right of freedom of information. Even for those who are not disabled by poverty and illiteracy, the means to become informed are denied by government control over channels of information and by the classification of matters of national importance as official secrets. The Pakistani press has organized effectively to protect the freedom it currently enjoys. While it has survived the vicious repression of both government and private interests, many sectors behave irresponsibly, including those which publish defamatory material, promote intolerance and incite sectarian violence