ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) while cautioning information secretary has remarked journalists be not harassed for speaking merely. 

Court further remarked federal government should coordinate with provincial government. No one should come to us with petition regarding harassment of journalists. Case came up for hearing before a single bench of IHC led by Chief Justice (CJ) Athar Minallah here.  Court remarked why government becomes upset over talks. Are people stopped from talking because this way accountability is held. Before arrival of government there was a set target of journalists. Now a second set target has taken place. Why there is always environment of fear and terror for journalists. It seems from some last years that speaking is biggest crime. 

Court directed information secretary he should ensure no petition from journalists comes here now. Let not another letter come from UN Rapid war like previous government. Court directed government to protect freedom of expression. Court is unable to understand why environment of fear is being created. How will this environment of fear come to end. Court observed a group of journalists approached this court to get relief before this government. Other journalists are getting relief from this court after induction of this government.

This seems from this situation that something is taking place wrong to horrifying extent. Federal government has to remove this fear of journalists. It is very vital issue. Nothing like this ever happens in civilised world. President Islamabad High Court Journalists Association Saqib Bashir appeared and told court we believe in writ of law and Constitution. court remarked secretary information will remove your objections.  President PFUJ Afzal Butt, secretary general Arshad Ansari, finance secretary Lala Asad Pathan too appeared in court. 

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 06 2022

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