This letter refers to the article ‘Who’s afraid of free speech?’ (May 27, 2024) by Dr Naazir Mahmood. The writer strongly emphasizes that all public officials must know and realize that they are accountable to the people of Pakistan, who have the right to express opinions using all media channels. Sadly, the people are totally deprived of this basic right and, in some cases, are punished for exercising it.
Unnecessary bills are passed in the legislative assemblies to restrict freedom of speech on different pretexts. Violation of this right by officials is not tolerable. No government may ever know what people really think of them if it does not let them express their honest opinions.
Zakeer Baloch
Awaran