ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday reaffirmed that the Government of Pakistan is firmly committed to upholding press freedom and ensuring a safe and secure environment for journalists across the country.
In his message on the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, the prime minister said, “A free press is the guarantee for a strong, transparent and democratic Pakistan.” He emphasized that a free, informed, and responsible media forms the foundation of any democratic society, enabling citizens’ access to facts and serving as a beacon of truth.
Highlighting the challenges faced by journalists, the prime minister said that acts of violence, threats, or intimidation against media professionals constitute attacks on freedom of expression itself. He paid tribute to journalists who have faced hardships in pursuit of truth and justice, and expressed solidarity with the families of those who lost their lives while performing their duties.
“We will take all necessary measures to ensure effective investigations of crimes against journalists, deliver justice, and hold perpetrators accountable,” the prime minister stated, according to a press release from the PM Office Media Wing.
Shehbaz Sharif also called on the international community, media organizations, and civil society to join hands in protecting journalists and promoting press freedom. He stressed that ensuring the safety and independence of journalists is vital for strengthening democracy, transparency, and public trust in Pakistan and around the world.
