ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has said that the international community and various organizations must take Israel to the task for killing of the journalists in Gaza.
In his message on the occasion of International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists observed on Saturday, he said that despite international conventions, dozens of journalists in Gaza were deliberately killed to obstruct the truth
PM Shehbaz Sharif hailed around the clock services of journalists from Pakistan and across the globe to keep the world informed.
He regretted that the journalists unfortunately have to endure various dangers, hardships, and difficulties in pursuit of truth.
Besides working in peace, he said the journalists also risked their lives reporting even in conflict zones and during wars.
PM Shehbaz said, these advocates of truth face restrictions, violence, threats, kidnappings, and even murder, adding without the protection of journalists, freedom of the press cannot be achieved.
“Our government has taken priority measures to ensure the protection and rights of journalists,” he stated.
Premier Shehbaz said Pakistani journalists had made immense sacrifices for democracy, adherence to the Constitution, and the rule of law.
“The Journalist and Media Workers Protection Act 2021 was passed to protect journalists and media workers.”
The prime minister said that health insurance for journalists was also an important initiative of the federal government for their protection.
“We are committed to preventing crimes against journalists, ensuring punishment for perpetrators, and safeguarding journalists in Pakistan,” the prime minister assured. PM Shehbaz emphasized that the Constitution of Pakistan guaranteed freedom of expression, freedom of the press, and access to information, and the government of Pakistan was dedicated to ensuring these rights.
