LIKE elsewhere in the world. World Press Freedom Day was observed on Sunday in Pakistan with representative bodies of journalists holding rallies and demonstrations to highlight problems being faced by them in discharging their duties. This time the day was observed when Pakistan as well as other countries is confronted with an unprecedented challenge of Coronavirus.
In such crisis like situation, the role of media becomes more significant in dissemination of vital and reliable information to the people. But it can only be done if media is given the opportunity of freedom of expression and to deliver messages to the people without being oppressed or intimidated. Freedom Network, a media rights watchdog in an annual report, has painted a very bleak picture of press freedom in Pakistan. The report shows that no place in the country including the federal capital is safe for journalists. This is the situation that both federal and provincial governments need to look into and address immediately. It is the responsibility of these governments to provide proper protection to journalists from physical threats. The media should not been seen as an enemy but a partner in shaping and promoting healthy democracy.
Over the years, media has emerged as fourth pillar of the state and proved to be an important link between governments and citizens. In fact it will not be wrong to say that an independent media and democracy are interlinked and both need to move forward without any hindrance to make Pakistan a better country. We are confident that with a new team placed in the Information Ministry, requisite steps will be taken to provide a respectable environment to journalists and address their genuine problems including those related to their salaries. In fact it is through media that government can protect national interests and project its soft and positive image. The world also needs to look towards the plight of journalists in occupied Jammu & Kashmir where Indian government is using abnormal tactics to stifle their voice to hide ground realities. Gag on communication links including Internet has cut off the Valley from rest of the world since 5th of February last year. World bodies need to openly speak for rights of these harassed and chained Kashmiri journalists.
