President Arif Alvi has written a letter to Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif and expressed his concern at the pressure being put on journalists for voicing their opinion.
“Recent events of violence against journalists reflect a mindset of intolerance, that has negative repercussions both on the future of democracy as well as freedom of expression as guaranteed by Article 19 in our constitution. Besides creating fear in Pakistan, such actions also come under international focus and tarnish the image of our country,” writes Alvi.
“Among those killed were Mr. Aziz Memon and Mr. Nazim Jokhio. Mr. Matiullah Jan was abducted in broad daylight from a busy area of Islamabad. Mr. Asad Ali Toor and Mr. Absar were assaulted and injured by unidentified men. Mr. Ayaz Amir was attacked, humiliated, and bruised by unknown persons on the road during rush hours in the presence of many eyewitnesses in Lahore. Multiple FIRs have been registered against Mr. Sami Ibrahim, Mr. Arshad Sharif, Mr. Sabir Shakir, Mr. Imran Riaz Khan
and Mr. Moeed Pirzada at various Police Stations in a number of cities across the country.”
President Alvi stated that the law enforcement agencies may be directed to ensure the protection of journalists and media persons.
