SNP, NDP condemn Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman’s arrest

LAHORE: Seraiki National Party (SNP) Chairperson Abdul Majeed Kanjoo has said the illegal arrest of the owner of the biggest media group is an attack on freedom of expression.

Talking to The News on Thursday, he said the government wants to curb freedom of media. Imran does not like voices of dissent as he has been an aristocratic cricketer who likes clapping all the time. Imran already suppressed the voice of the opposition and democracy became weak in the country. Media is the only hope for people for the restoration of real democracy in the country which has always been damaged by all previous regimes. But Imran Khan has been making serious attempts to destroy democracy by suppressing the freedom of expression. He said the arrest of Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman is the first step towards suppressing the entire media in the country, and if the establishment succeeds in keeping him detained for a longer period, other media houses would never dare speak truth.

National Democratic Party (NDP) President Abdul Hayee Baloch said the arrest of Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman aims at curbing the freedom of media. His unjust arrest is aimed at giving a lesson to other journalists and media groups. By using these tactics, the government wants a controlled media and a controlled editorial policy.

The fascist government has given a threat to all journalists that if the owner of the biggest media house can be arrested, any columnist, anchor and reporter could be arrested anytime.

He said functioning of democracy depends upon freedom of media. Strong media supports democratic institutions and people, but Imran Khan is a fascist from inside, said Baloch while talking to The News. He said Imran’s fascist attitude was visible when his government did not allow Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman to see his ailing brother when he was on the death bed. He said Pakistanis do not like fascists.

They have always struggled against dictators and fascists who worked to weaken political parties and institutions. He said the federation cannot be strengthened without strong democracy. All political parties of Pakistan and political bigwigs on the international level have condemned the arrest of Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman that shows that the arrest of Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman is seen as an open attack on freedom of expression.

He said the Imran government did not release arrears of Rs 6 billion to media groups. It means Imran is not willing to see free media that speaks about rights of people. It is a positive gesture that all opposition parties have demanded the release of Mir Shakil- ur-Rahman.

The whole world is united to fight against coronavirus, but the Pakistani government has arrested the owner of the biggest media group in a weak case. He said the formation of Tiger Force and the attitude of Imran Khan will further divide people. He said Imran should concentrate on the performance of his government rather than arresting and harassing media persons.