Protection of Journalists' Rights, Safe Working Environment Pledged

Key Points:

The government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting journalists’ rights and ensuring a safe environment for their work
Press freedom and freedom of expression are essential to a democratic society, the chief minister said
There has been no murder or violence against journalists in Punjab and none will occur in future, she said
Homeless journalists will be helped to realise their dream of owning a home

LAHORE: On the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, the Punjab government pledged a safe working environment for journalists and full protection of their rights, calling press freedom essential to a democratic society.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif reaffirmed her government’s commitment to protecting journalists’ rights and ensuring they can perform their professional duties without fear or intimidation.

According to a DGPR handout, the chief minister described journalists as the eyes and ears of society and champions of truth. She said the government stood with those who upheld the cause of truth and would safeguard their rights.

She said violence against journalists for raising their voice against injustice and falsehood must end. Their professional dignity and rights should be respected.

She said free and responsible journalism played a vital role in strengthening democracy. A free press was indispensable for a strong democratic society.

The chief minister said threats, violence and harassment against journalists were unacceptable and called for those involved in crimes against media professionals to be brought to justice.

She said journalists who exposed oppression, injustice and falsehood were heroes, guardians of social justice and the voice of the people.

She reiterated her commitment to press freedom and said she would stand as its guarantor. She also expressed her resolve to help homeless journalists realise their dream of owning a home.

The chief minister said attempts to silence the voice of truth amounted to an assault on the fundamental rights of society.

She said journalists and journalism were safe in Punjab and, by the grace of Allah, there had been no incidents of murder or violence against journalists in the province. She added that none would occur in the future either.

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