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.
