HRCP concerned over government’s anti-press policies
LAHORE, May 6: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed its deep concern over what it termed as the government’s anti-Press policies and its blatant intimidation and harassment of journalists.
In a press statement on Thursday, HRCP secretary-general Hina Jilani said the space for dissent was being curtailed as a deliberate policy to impose authoritarian rule. Vilification and harassment by the state agencies of any critic of the government had become usual methods of victimization, she added.
She said conduct of the government confirmed fears of increasing lack of transparency and accountability in governance.
She asserted: “Strong-arm tactics and violence against journalists has given rise to concern for their physical safety and ability to maintain professional independence. The national security is not jeopardized by the freedom of the Press but by attempts to curtail this freedom and by creating an atmosphere of confrontation between the state and civil society.”
The HRCP called upon the government to respect the freedom of expression, information and democratic rights. The government must cease the policy of confrontation with the civil society institutions. Threats to journalists and acts of violence against them must be fully investigated and those responsible be prosecuted in accordance with the law, the statement said.
Source: Dawn
Date:5/7/1999
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