Attacking freedom of expression
Pakistan is considered one of the most dangerous countries for journalists. The lives of journalists are not safe from the unwanted attentions of terrorists or other criminals involved in different activities, especially extortion and kidnapping for ransom. The apathy of the state and media owners is conspicuous for their inability to provide adequate safety to working journalists. In part, dearth of training on conflict reporting has contributed to making the situation dangerous for journalists. The attack on the office of the Express media group twice in four months — though the purpose of either attack is still not known as nobody has claimed responsibility — is being considered an attack on the media and freedom of expression. Journalists in Islamabad protested against the attack by walking out of Parliament’s press gallery. In order to show solidarity, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists, politicians and civil society blocked Constitution Avenue in front of Parliament. They demanded of the government to ensure the safety of media houses and journalists and bring the culprits to justice. In its ‘usual’ response, the government has assured swift action. In the meantime, however, it falls on the shoulders of journalists and their representative bodies to make this a policy issue and force the government to actually put its money where its mouth is. Many politicians were of the view that had the government taken timely action when the group was attacked earlier, this incident could have been averted. Two gunmen threw two homemade bombs at the Express offices and resorted to indiscriminate firing that lasted for a couple of minutes. They escaped unscathed by the retaliatory firing of the Express group’s security guards. The police have failed to apprehend them so far. The previous attackers too are still at large. That previous case, according to police officials, will be now be reassessed in the light of the new incident to determine the culprits and the motive behind the attacks. The owners of the media house are sure that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan is behind this dirty game. Of late they have been receiving threats, which had increased after the death of Hakeemullah Mehsud.
Journalism is in peril in the country for many reasons. The only way to save it from further dangers and deterioration and from becoming hostage in the hands of state and non-state actors is for journalists to unite to strengthen the cause of freedom of expression. Sporadic or incident-based protests are forgotten as time passes, or until the next event unfolds. Perseverance in the cause would yield results, and would drive the message home that those who put their lives at stake to unravel the truth should not be taken for granted or trifled with.
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