Government warning to media houses, social media users

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 17 March 2017 |  Daud Malik

The Pakistani government has issued a warning to media entities and social media users regarding restrictions on freedom of expression as per Article 19. Advertisements highlight the legal implications of violating these restrictions, emphasizing responsibility in exercising free speech.

Summary

ISLAMABAD - The government Friday warned general public, media houses and social media users against violating restrictions with regards to freedom of expression under article 19 of the constitution.

Half-page advertisements in mainstream newspapers quoted Article 19 in full along with various sections of Pakistan Penal Code, including 295 B & C (blasphemy), which carries the death sentence. The main message in the advert is: “Exercise your right to freedom of speech without committing any crime.”

The Article 19 gives every citizen “the right to freedom of speech and expression” along with “freedom of press” which is “subject to any reasonable restrictions imposed by law in the interest of glory of Islam or the integrity, security, or defence of Pakistan or any party thereof, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, decency or morality, or in relation to contempt of court (commission of) or incitement of an offence.”              

The ad warns that violating restrictions stated in the constitution…in the name of freedom of speech and expression is a crime. It also informs that interpretation of the constitution and law rests with the superior judiciary while the authority of amending it is the task of the parliament.

KEY POINTS:

• Government warns against violating Article 19 restrictions.
• Advertisements quoted relevant laws related to freedom of speech.
• Violations could lead to serious legal consequences.
• Interpretation of laws rests with the judiciary.
• Parliament holds the authority to amend the constitution.