Muzzling the press
Threats to journalists from police officers and bureaucracy are common occurrences, aided by the Sindh government’s weak policies. Recently, a veteran journalist Shan Dahar was killed in Badah due to the police’s criminal negligence. The case has not been registered and no arrests have been made; while locals know very web who is behind Dahar’s murder, the police seem entirely dueless. Police officers know very well whose recommendations can help them and whose anger can cause their dismissal. Therefore, police officials are hesitant to take any action without the consent of certain influential citizens. This perhaps explains the treatment of Dahar’s murder case. It is a sad state of affairs that officers like Khadim Rind hold the position of DIGP Larkana when the law and order situation is quite unsatisfactory.
In Tharu Shah, one SHO threatened a journalist who spoke of his poor performance. Similarly, irrigation engineer in Kashmore threatened a reporter who wrote of the dilapidated condition of the irrigation colony. This behavior is simply intolerable. Though SSP Naushahro Feroze promised to remove the SHO in question, no action has been taken ye. Such incidents can result in the murder of journalists, as the government remains lax about such threats. If some government officials are unable to deal with the matter, the information minister should take notice of such incidents and take action against those responsible. The government often speaks of the freedom of the press but journalists require proof to this effect.
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