By Zahid Shah 

ISLAMABAD: In an unprecedented move, Pakistan President Dr Arif Alvi on Thursday criticized the new government in the South Asian country for using force against journalists and violating the country's freedom of expression laws. 

In a letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President said the recent actions against journalists are unacceptable. 

“I express my alarm and deep concern on the rising trend of harassment and torture against journalists and media persons in Pakistan. Recent events of violence against journalists reflect a mindset of intolerance, that has negative repercussions both on the future of democracy as well as freedom of expression as guaranteed by Article 19 in our constitution,” said the President in his letter. 

His letter came after the government arrested prominent journalist Imran Riaz Khan on Wednesday in connection with several FIRs across the country. 

Khan is vocal against the regime change in the country and criticizes the US in his programs over its alleged role in the conspiracy against former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government which was toppled in April this year. 

“Besides creating fear in Pakistan, such actions also come under international focus and tarnish the image of our country,” said the President.

Pakistan stands at 157th position in the Freedom of PressIndex-2022. Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Human Rights Watch (HRW), Amnesty International (AI), and the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) in their reports have attributed harassment, intimidation, and physical violence against journalists as the main reasons for the dismal position of Pakistan in the said index.

According to the President, recently two journalists Mr. Aziz Memon and Mr. Nazim Jokhio were killed. Mr. Matiullah Jan was abducted in broad daylight from a busy area of Islamabad. 

Mr. Asad Ali Toor and Mr. Absar  Alam were assaulted and injured by unidentified men. 

Mr. AyazAmir was attacked, humiliated and bruised by unknown persons on the road during rush hours in the presence of many eyewitnesses in Lahore. 

“Multiple FIRs have been registered against Mr. SamiIbrahim, Mr. Arshad Sharif, Mr. Sabir Shakir, Mr. Imran Riaz Khan and Mr. Moeed Pirzada at various Police Stations in a number of cities across the country.4.Journalists in Pakistan are subjected to charges of sedition and terrorism to stifle dissent and criticism against the powerful elements of state,” said Mr Alvi. 

“The actions being taken, also undermine the efforts of the judiciary, when in one jurisdiction relief is provided cases are filed in another jurisdiction with mala fine intention to continue the harassment. It appears that a reign of terror has been unleashed against the media persons who have independent opinions.”

On Thursday morning, a local court in Attock district dismissed a case against Imran Riaz Khan but soon after the court order, police from another district of Chakwal arrived and they arrested Khan in another case.

According to Imran Riaz Khan’s lawyer, Punjab police registered 18 cases against him. 

“Actions or inactions of previous governments should not be used as a ruse to repeat similar violations and such a stance is both untenable and a lame excuse. Rather than taking the country in a progressive and positive direction, such comparisons become a justification to do worse in retaliation.

“In terms of Article 41 of the Constitution of Pakistan, the president should endeavor to protect the fundamental rights of freedom of speech and fair trial for all citizens. Pakistan being ademocratic country, should not allow oppression and persecution of intelligentsia and journalists. In reality, such actions must be considered abhorrent in a progressive society,” said the Pakistani President.

He directed the government that law enforcement agencies may be directed to ensure the protection of journalists and media persons. 

He also directed the government to keep him informed about the remedial actions taken per article 46 of the Constitution of Pakistan.

Currently, journalists who are raising voices against the price hike and US involvement in regime change in Pakistan are receiving threats from unknown numbers, and police registering cases against them.

On Wednesday, Amnesty International South Asia also Amnesty International expressed alarm over the arrest of journalist Imran Riaz Khan’ and urged the Pakistani authorities to stop punishing dissenting voices, as has been a worrying trend in Pakistan for many years.

“In the past few weeks, journalists have been disappeared, faced politically motivated charges and even violently attacked for simply doing their job. Journalism is not a crime, and must be stopped being treated as such,” said the rights group.