Karachi (Pakistan News): Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that remaining silent on crimes against journalists is tantamount to suppressing the voices of truth and justice, adding that protecting journalists is a shared responsibility of the state and society.
In his message on the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said it was essential to protect journalists from serious crimes such as threats, violence, harassment and murder. He added that failure to punish those involved in such crimes amounted to silencing the public’s right to information.
He said journalists play a fundamental role in bringing facts to the public, holding those in positions of power accountable and raising awareness in society. Allowing perpetrators of crimes against journalists to escape the reach of the law poses a serious threat to press freedom, democracy and the rule of law.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said the unanimously adopted Constitution of 1973 grants every citizen the fundamental right to freedom of expression, and protecting this right is a constitutional and moral responsibility of a democratic state.
Referring to the government of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, he said she abolished laws introduced during the rule of former dictator Zia-ul-Haq to suppress press freedom, which had been used to silence the media. According to him, this historic step reflected the importance of dissent and independent journalism in a democracy.
The PPP chairman reaffirmed that his party would continue its struggle for press freedom, freedom of expression and the protection of journalists. He said democracy cannot be strengthened, nor can the public remain informed and empowered, without a free press.