A Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) spokesman, when asked about the Ministry of Defence’s petition to Pemra seeking to shut down Geo News and Jang Group, told The News that the UK is a strong supporter of the freedom of expression.
The spokesman stressed that Britain believed that free and informed journalism is fundamental to any democracy. The FCO spokesman said that across the world, Britain supported free expression and critical thinking, including Pakistan.
The spokesman referred to the statements issued by Britain’s High Commissioner to Pakistan Philip Barton and senior foreign office minister Baroness Sayeeda Warsi in which both senior British government representatives expressed their shock at the shooting of Hamid Mir.
Sayeeda Warsi said that press freedom was an essential part of Pakistan. She added: “This appalling attack on Hamid Mir is an attack on all who believe in democracy. Hamid Mir is in my thoughts and we wish and pray for his speedy recovery.”
Philip Barton said he was shocked to learn of the attack on Hamid Mir. “I was greatly shocked and saddened to hear of the attack on Hamid Mir — another attack on journalism and freedom of expression in Pakistan. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr Mir, his family and all at Geo TV at this difficult time. We send him our best wishes for a speedy recovery.”
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