Islamabad : President Asif Ali Zardari says government and PPP believe in upholding press freedom as essential element of democracy and will take all measures necessary to protect journalists from all threats while performing professional duties.
“I wish to reiterate commitment of the government and PPP to uphold press freedom and protect media men from assaults, threats while performing professional duties”, he said in message on Press Freedom Day falling on May 3.
He complimented journalists for their struggle in ensuring media was freed from shackles imposed on itby autocratic regimes and refusing to be deterred by challenges. “PPP stands for press freedom as essential value of democracy, transparency, good governance, accountability. Let there be no doubt or mistake about it.”
“It is matter of concern to note that in past several years some journalists have been victims of assault during course of performing duties. Government will pursue investigations and prosecution of cases of assault on media men and punish perpetrators of crimes in accordance with law. I call upon government to expedite investigation into and prosecution of cases of assault on journalists. Let no one say that in Pakistan journalists are assaulted with impunity.”
President also called upon government to expedite setting up a special fund for journalists who lay down their lives in line of duty. “PPP believes free media is critical for tearing apart shroud of secrecy around grave violations of freedom and human rights.” A reformed Bill on Freedom of Information is before Parliament. He asked Parliament to expedite its passage “to allow journalists, citizens access to information to expose corruption, wrong doings and violations of human rights. PPI
