ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq reaffirmed that the Parliament of Pakistan firmly believes in press freedom, transparent governance, and the public’s right to access information.
“The Parliament of Pakistan has always played an active role in ensuring freedom of the press, freedom of expression, and the safety of journalists,” he said on the eve of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, observed annually on November 2 under the auspices of the United Nations.
Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq stated that the Right of Access to Information Act, 2017 stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment of Parliament and the Government of Pakistan to guarantee that citizens, particularly journalists, can access legislative and governmental information. He emphasized that providing journalists with a safe and conducive environment to perform their professional responsibilities without fear or intimidation is a shared responsibility of both the state and society. He noted that journalism serves as an essential pillar of the state and a fundamental component of democracy.
The Speaker said that each year, journalists across the world face violence, intimidation, and persecution while performing their duties, and many have sacrificed their lives in pursuit of truth and accountability.
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq asserted that ending crimes against journalists is vital for the establishment of a just and democratic society. Strongly condemning the atrocities and killings of journalists in Gaza, Palestine, and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K), he said that the targeting of journalists and media workers by Israeli occupation forces and Indian armed forces constitutes a flagrant violation of human rights, international law, and the principles of press freedom.
He urged the United Nations and the international community to take immediate notice of the ongoing state terrorism and systematic crimes being committed against journalists in Gaza and IIOJ&K. Such acts, he remarked, are not only attempts to suppress freedom of expression but also deliberate efforts to conceal the truth from the world.
Speaker Ayaz Sadiq also commended the struggle of the journalist community in Pakistan for their vital role in the restoration and strengthening of democracy. He reaffirmed that Parliament will continue to raise its voice at all relevant forums to ensure the protection of journalists and the defense of press freedom.
On this occasion, Deputy Speaker National Assembly Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah stated that journalists are the eyes and ears of society and the guardians of democratic values. He said that freedom of the press forms the foundation of every civilized society and serves as a guarantee of transparent and accountable governance.
He added that the UN-designated International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists serves as a global reminder of the collective responsibility to eliminate violence, harassment, and discrimination against media professionals.
Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah strongly condemned the brutal killings and acts of violence against journalists in Gaza, Palestine, and IIOJK, terming them grave violations of human rights and international norms. He reiterated that the Parliament of Pakistan continues to play an effective role in advancing freedom of expression, protecting journalists, and upholding the public’s right to information.
