A three-member fact-finding mission of the International Federation of Journalists (IFC) met President Pervez Musharraf Saturday and termed the media environment in Pakistan as forward-looking , said an official statement. Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary who is leading the delegation told the President that the expansion and openness of media will have a positive impact on democracy. The Brussels-based International Federation of Journalists is the world s largest organisation of media persons. Musharraf during his recent four-nation visit to Europe had invited the IFJ to Pakistan to see for themselves the ground reality about freedom of media in the country. White termed his visit to Pakistan as productive and said he found that media in the country was enjoying freedom. I see openness and optimism in Pakistan, which has been encouraged by you, White told Musharraf while acknowledging his contribution for freedom of press in the past eight years. He also spoke about the issues of safety and security of the journalists and the need for having a national dialogue on ethical journalism. Musharraf agreed with the delegation on the need for a dialogue on ethical journalism in the country and said it was a vital requirement. The President said despite various issues, he would continue to look forward to openness and freedom of expression as he believed that it will have a positive impact on democracy in the country.
