Code of ethics for Pakistan journalists

Pakistan Government has approved a code of ethics for the media 8216;8216;to make the press more responsible8217;8217;. Under the laws:

Journalists to be proceeded against libel and slander in a court of law for defamation If found guilty, they would have to pay a minimum of Rs 50,000 for publishing defamatory material and undergo simple imprisonment for 3 months for failing to pay it

Journalists not to be forced to reveal source of information

Action to be taken against authors, editors responsible for publication or circulation of defamatory material

Wrong-doer, if convicted, to be directed to tender an apology and publish the same

19-member Press Council to be appointed by the President.