ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed government’s strong commitment to support all efforts that promote and uphold shining principles of freedom of expression and free media.

Addressing an event organised by Islamabad Journalist Safety Forum on theme of UN ten years Plan of Action he said his government believes that freedom of expression is sacrosanct and will remain at heart of development of democracy. He noted democracy and media reinforce each other and there can be no democracy without freedom of expression. Prime Minister said his government would be part of efforts aimed at making Pakistani democracy stronger through greater free media.

He pointed out Pakistan became first country in Asia to pass legislation on Safety of Journalists at federal and the provincial level in Sindh province. He said government will continue to support ongoing efforts in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan to legislate on safety of journalists.

He said his government believes that no journalists should be called out or attacked for exercising their freedom of expression as guaranteed under Constitution. Referring to murder of senior Journalist Arshad Sharif in Kenya, Shehbaz Sharif said he has written letter to Chief Justice of Pakistan to constitute commission to investigate murder and hoped some action will be taken in this regard.

Ambassador of France Nicolas Galey was appreciative of legislation passed by Pakistani Parliament for protection of journalists. He said this is major step forward. He said his Embassy will continue to promote media exchanges between Pakistan and France. Norway’s Ambassador to Pakistan Per Albert Ilsaas said global community must ensure safe environment for journalists both online and offline. He said Protection of Journalist and Media Professional Act by Pakistan is major step towards ensuring safety of journalists and media practitioners and protecting them from violence and harassment.

Alluding to collaboration between Denmark and Pakistan in field of media, Danish Ambassador to Pakistan Jakob Linulf said his country backs community journalism in Pakistan. He said our support goes to growing eco system of media startups in country.

Published in The Daily National Courier, December, 07 2022

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