{"id":6448,"date":"2017-12-18T09:43:43","date_gmt":"2017-12-18T09:43:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/hrcp-web.org\/hrcpweb\/?p=6448"},"modified":"2021-12-15T09:44:50","modified_gmt":"2021-12-15T09:44:50","slug":"pakistanis-freedom-of-expression-must-be-protected","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hrcp-web.org\/hrcpweb\/pakistanis-freedom-of-expression-must-be-protected\/","title":{"rendered":"Pakistanis\u2019 freedom of expression must be protected"},"content":{"rendered":"

Lahore, December 9, 2017:<\/b>\u00a0The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) is perturbed by the rapidly eroding space for freedom of expression in the country.\u00a0 The right to know, dissent and free expression of ideas is essential to any democratic setup. Without the free flow of information and ideas there can be no informed discourse between citizens, which will breed further divisions and intolerance within society.<\/p>\n

In a statement issued on the eve of Human Rights Day, the Commission states: \u201cIn the lead up to the 70th<\/sup>\u00a0anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 2018, HRCP believes that the shrinking space for freedom of expression in Pakistan is extremely disturbing.\u00a0 Stifling citizens\u2019 freedom of expression will lead to the negation of all other human rights. \u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cIn recent months a range of measures have been implemented to restrict Pakistani media\u2019s voice, using methods like clampdowns, stoppages, manipulation, enforcement of the draconian Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 and increasing threats and intimidation of journalists.\u00a0 The recent 28-hour blackout of private news channels across Pakistan\u00a0by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority, to cover up the failure of the government\u2019s Faizabad operation from the public, was a disproportionate unilateral action taken by a government body to silence the media\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnyone trying to circumvent these curbs has been routinely abducted by the security forces.\u00a0 These enforced disappearances have included social media activists, news reporters, bloggers, journalists and human rights defenders.\u00a0 The latest victim is Raza Khan, an Indo-Pak peace activist and convener of Aghaz-e-Dosti, who was picked up earlier this week.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll such actions are clearly having a chilling effect on civil society\u2019s ability to exercise its freedom of expression for fear of the serious repercussions for speaking out freely.\u201d<\/p>\n

HRCP emphasizes that: \u201cThe government needs to stop ignoring the prevailing situation and resist from being part of any repressive measures which threaten freedom of expression.\u00a0 On the other hand, those responsible for expressing and disseminating information to the general public, especially mainstream media persons, need to act responsibly and ethically to ensure that an impartial and objective viewpoint is presented. They must not use the platforms they control for personal agendas nor be swayed by attempts at intimidation and coercion.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dr. Mehdi Hasan<\/b><\/p>\n

Chairperson<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>