ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to support all efforts that promote and uphold the shining principles of freedom of expression and free media.
In his address at an event organized by Islamabad Journalist Safety Forum on the theme of the UN 10 years Plan of Action on Tuesday, the prime minister said that his government believes that the freedom of expression is sacrosanct and will remain at the heart of development of democracy.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addressing at a seminar titled, “10 Years of UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity in Pakistan” in Islamabad, today. pic.twitter.com/tuvekzNP9k
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) December 6, 2022
Shahbaz Sharif noted that democracy and media reinforce each other and there can be no democracy without freedom of expression. He said that his government would be part of efforts aimed at making Pakistani democracy stronger through greater free media.
The prime minister pointed out that Pakistan became the first Country in Asia to pass legislation on the Safety of Journalists at the federal and the provincial level in Sindh province. He said that the government will continue to support the ongoing efforts in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan to legislate on safety of journalists.
The prime minister said that the Parliament passed a landmark Protection of Journalists and Media Professional Acts after thorough consultations with all the stakeholders. He added that the act recognizes the rights of journalists and seeks to protect media persons from all kinds of ill treatment and aggression. He assured the full implementation of this legislation.
Moreover, he said that his government believes that no journalists should be called out or attacked for exercising their freedom of expression as guaranteed under the constitution of Pakistan.
Referring to the murder of senior Journalist Arshad Sharif in Kenya, Shahbaz Sharif said that he has written a letter to the Chief Justice of Pakistan to constitute a commission to investigate the murder and hoped some action will be taken in this regard.
