Curbs on freedom of expression in Pakistan

Islamabad (Aug 29) : Press conference held by Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) at Islamabad hotel, Islamabad, in response to journalists in the print and broadcast media complained of interference with freedom of expression. HRCP has also launched fact-finding report on the topic. Multiple human rights personals and media attended the conference.

PRESS CONFERENCE: Curbs on freedom of expression in Pakistan by HRCP in Islamabad

Based on its findings, HRCP calls on the federal and provincial governments of Pakistan, their administrative branches and all other state institutions and services to:

– Take due notice of the complaints it has presented

– Take appropriate steps to prohibit and prevent unauthorized, illegal and unlawful interference with freedom of expression in the country

– Protect the right of television channel and news publication owners to function with dignity and in peace.

– There should be no interference in the sale and distribution of any newspaper, nor should any TV channels be deliberately displaced.

– The system of issuing ‘press advice’ or press-advice-like ‘instructions’ on the part of state agencies must cease immediately.

– All complaints of this nature should be redressed promptly.

– Complete and effective information commissions are set up in each province to implement the state’s obligations under the Right of Access to Information Act 2017.