ISLAMABAD: The United States, the United Kingdom and Delegation of the European Union on Friday called upon the Government of Pakistan to resolutely defend the media freedom in the country, adding that gags on the media and attacks on journalists were not acceptable.
While marking the World Press Freedom Day today, May 3, and supporting freedom of expression, they have also made mention of the recent assassination bid on Geo’s top anchor Hamid Mir and called upon the government to investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The European Union Delegation, in agreement with the EU Heads of Mission in Pakistan, expressed in a statement its deep concern over the steadily deteriorating environment for media freedom in Pakistan.
“The recent attacks on well-known journalists Raza Rumi and Hamid Mir are only the latest in a large number of incidents. Since 2008, thirty-four members of the media have been killed, making Pakistan one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists,” says the EU, while underlining that freedom of expression is a fundamental principle in a democratic society given its essential role for the realisation of other human rights. The EU Delegation and EU Member States Missions, while welcoming the commitment of the Government of Pakistan to investigate the case of Hamid Mir, expects that similar attention will be paid to all other cases. They note that in many cases the offenders have not been brought to trial.
“The EU Delegation and EU Member States Missions therefore call upon the Government of Pakistan to ensure that all abuses committed against journalists are duly investigated and that appropriate action is taken against perpetrators while the public is provided with information on the outcome of enquiries,” adds the statement.
A strong appeal was also made to the government to resolutely defend the media freedom, this being an important component of freedom of expression as defined in Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Pakistan is party and has already made a strong commitment to uphold as part of the GSP Plus scheme.
“The EU Delegation and EU Member States Missions reiterate their call on the Government of Pakistan to create an environment where the media can work freely, effectively and without fear. The Delegation and Member States Missions stand ready to assist Pakistan in developing the necessary conditions for this,” adds the statement.
The US Embassy, which earlier gave two statements in support of Hamid Mir, on Friday while marking the World Press Freedom Day, said it recognises, honours and underscores the essential role of independent media in fostering and protecting freedom of expression and democratic principles.
“The United States values freedom of the press as a key component of democratic governance. Democratic societies are not infallible, but they are accountable, and the exchange of ideas is the foundation for accountable governance. In the United States and in many places around the world, the press fosters active debate, provides investigative reporting, and serves as a forum to express different points of view, particularly on behalf of those who are marginalised in society,” said the statement.
British High Commissioner in Pakistan Philip Barton, in a hard hitting statement, said: “It is hard to escape the fact that 2014 has so far been a particularly bloody year for journalism in Pakistan. A range of media houses from across the political spectrum have been attacked. Journalists and their support staff have been targeted and in some cases, tragically, killed.”
Saying that Pakistan remains one of the world’s most dangerous places to be a journalist, the high commissioner adds: “Since my arrival in Pakistan at the beginning of the year, I have been struck by the vibrancy of the country’s media. This breadth and diversity is striking and is proof of how far the industry has come since 2008’s deregulatory reforms.”
Calling on “all” in Pakistan to support a free and fair press, where journalists can go about their vital work without fear, intimidation or harassment, the high commissioner noted: “Journalists, bloggers, media organisations and individuals must be allowed to operate and to express themselves freely and safely in line with international standards. The recent surge in violence against journalists in Pakistan highlights the need for action in this area.”
Pakistani journalists, he added, have played a central role in embedding public support for democratic values – “witnessed so clearly in last year’s historic elections”. Freedom of expression, he says, is fundamental to a strong democracy.
“An open and effective press serves to improve the environment for long-term social, political and economic stability. Journalists are crucial to this work,” he adds.
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