Summary PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari says silence on crimes against journalists silences truth, and vows to keep fighting for press freedom and journalists’ protection.
KARACHI (Dunya News) – Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that staying silent over crimes against journalists amounts to suppressing the voice of truth and justice.
In his message on the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, Bilawal said that protecting journalists from serious crimes such as threats, violence, harassment and murder is the shared responsibility of the state and society. He said that allowing those involved in such crimes to escape punishment is tantamount to silencing the public's right to information.
He said journalists play a fundamental role in bringing facts to the public, holding the corridors of power accountable and raising awareness in society. The escape of those involved in crimes against journalists from the grip of the law, he added, poses a grave threat to press freedom, democracy and the rule of law.
The PPP chairman said the unanimous 1973 Constitution guarantees every citizen the fundamental right to freedom of expression, and protecting this right is the constitutional and moral responsibility of a democratic state.
Referring to the government of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, Bilawal said she abolished the draconian laws of the Ziaul Haq dictatorship that were used to stifle press freedom and silence its voice. He said this historic step by Benazir Bhutto reflected the importance of dissent and a free press in a democracy.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said the PPP will continue its struggle for press freedom, freedom of expression and the protection of journalists. Without a free press, he said, democracy cannot grow stronger, nor can the people become informed and empowered.
