KARACHI: Sindh Senior Minister and Provincial Minister for Information, Transport, Mass Transit, Excise, Taxation, and Narcotics Control, Sharjeel Inam Memon, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of journalist Nasrullah Gadani.

He highlighted that this incident reflects a global mindset aimed at suppressing press freedom, which governments must actively oppose.

Memon praised the efforts of the Ghotki Police and DIG Sukkur, announcing that three suspects have been arrested in connection with the journalist's murder. He assured that the media will be kept informed about developments. In a gesture of support, the Sindh government provided a relief cheque to Gadani's family, acknowledging that while money cannot replace a loved one, it symbolizes their sympathy and support.

Following the Chief Minister of Sindh's instructions, a relief cheque of 10 million rupees was handed over to the martyred journalist's heirs. Memon emphasized that this act reflects the commitment of the Pakistan People's Party and the Sindh government to uphold free and transparent journalism.

Speaking to the media at the Karachi Press Club, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said that a campaign had been launched against the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) to tarnish its image. However, even today, the PPP stands firmly with journalists.

The Pakistan People's Party is the only party that demonstrates the most tolerance and patience and actively supports journalists and journalism. It is also the only party in the entire country that raises the loudest voice for press freedom. He said that when journalist Nasrullah Gadani was shot, the police immediately arrived and shifted him to the hospital. Within five minutes, the Chief Minister of Sindh wrote a letter requesting his admission to Aga Khan Hospital.

However, life and death are in Allah's hands. Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said that when the journalist community protested in the Sindh Assembly for the arrest of the killers of Shaheed Nasrullah Gadani, both the Interior Minister and I assured them that the killers would be apprehended.

Alhamdulillah, the accused have been arrested, and action will be taken against all those responsible for the murder. In response to a question, Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon stated that the Pakistan People's Party is not a part of the defamation bill introduced in Punjab. He clarified that the governor of Punjab, who belongs to the Pakistan People's Party, did not sign this bill.

Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon stated that in all incidents involving journalists in Sindh, the Sindh government under the Pakistan People's Party has arrested all the accused. He highlighted that the killers of Shaheed Aziz Memon were apprehended from the desert area by the Sindh government.

Additionally, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari personally visited the house of Shaheed Jan Muhammad Mahar. He mentioned that the Sindh Police has made significant progress in the case of Shaheed Jan Muhammad Mahar, indicating that news of the arrest of his killers may be forthcoming very soon.

Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon highlighted the concerted efforts of Chief Minister Sindh, Interior Minister, and IG Sindh to enhance the law and order situation in Upper Sindh. He also announced the release of funds for the second phase of the Safe City project in Karachi.

He mentioned that the province-wide crackdown on drugs continues, with recent arrests of drug peddlers in Karachi and Hyderabad. One notable arrest is of a significant dealer known as the "grandmother of the drug world," involved in trafficking ice and crystals.

He emphasized the need for drug dealers to cease their activities, warning of dire consequences if they persist. He lamented the increasing prevalence of drugs in educational institutions nationwide and highlighted their misuse as a status symbol in some circles.

Despite this, a robust crackdown against drugs is underway, echoing President Asif Ali Zardari's stance against drugs as a top priority.

On this occasion, Senior Minister of Sindh and Provincial Minister for Information Sharjeel Inam Memon handed over a relief cheque of one crore rupees to the family of martyred journalist Nasrullah Gadani on behalf of the Sindh government to his brother Muhammad Bakhsh Gadani.

Published in The Daily National Courier, June, 11 2024

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