ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday called upon the international community and various organizations to bring Israel to justice for the massacre of journalists in Gaza.
Despite international conventions, dozens of journalists in Gaza were deliberately killed to obstruct the truth, the prime minister said in his message on the occasion of International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.
He emphasized that journalists from across the world including Pakistan work day and night to keep the world informed. “Unfortunately, journalists have to endure various dangers, hardships, and difficulties in pursuit of truth,” he regretted.
Besides working in peace, he said the journalists also risked their lives reporting even in conflict zones and during wars.
These advocates of truth face restrictions, violence, threats, kidnappings, and even murder, he said adding “Without the protection of journalists, freedom of the press cannot be achieved”. “Our government has taken priority measures to ensure the protection and rights of journalists,” he stated.
The prime minister said Pakistani journalists had made immense sacrifices for democracy, adherence to the Constitution, and the rule of law. “The Journalist and Media Workers Protection Act 2021 was passed to protect journalists and media workers.”
PM Shehbaz said health insurance for journalists was also an important initiative of the federal government for their protection.
“We are committed to preventing crimes against journalists, ensuring punishment for perpetrators, and safeguarding journalists in Pakistan,” the prime minister assured.
He emphasized that the Constitution of Pakistan guaranteed freedom of expression, freedom of the press, and access to information, and the government of Pakistan was dedicated to ensuring these rights.
Acting President for holding Israel accountable for crimes against journalists
Acting President Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on Saturday urged the international community to hold Israel accountable for its crimes against journalists.
Highlighting the recent bombings in Gaza, where a significant number of journalists lost their lives due to Israeli attacks, the acting president said according to the United Nations, over 130 journalists had been killed in Gaza to date.
In his message in connection with the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, he said that freedom of the press was not possible without ensuring safety of the journalists.
He said the journalists work in challenging conditions especially while reporting in conflict zones and during wars.
The acting president said that in such dangerous environments, journalists faced various risks, including censorship, violence, threats, abduction, and even murder.
In Pakistan, steps have been taken to ensure the safety of journalists and media workers, Yousaf Raza Gilani said adding that the constitution of Pakistan gives the right of access to information, freedom of expression and freedom of the press.
He emphasized that freedom of the press was essential for strengthening democracy and promoting transparency in Pakistan. Acts of violence against journalists undermine democracy, he said.
In 2021, Pakistan passed the Journalists and Media Professionals Protection Act, demonstrating its commitment to safeguarding journalists, he noted. “Health insurance for journalists has also been introduced in Pakistan.”
However, he acknowledged that more actions were required to protect journalists and media workers in Pakistan. He also stressed the need to adopt a comprehensive strategy and system to ensure journalists’ safety.
