Cases against journalists a worrying trend: HRCP official

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 25 September 2020

Harris Khalique of HRCP has condemned the 49 cases filed against journalists in Pakistan for criticizing national institutions. This trend raises concerns about the state's tolerance for dissent.

Summary

ISLAMABAD— Harris Khalique, Secretary-General of Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), has said the registration of 49 cases against journalists and social media activists over defamation of national institutions shows the state had become weak and unable to take criticism.

In the talk show Zara Hut Kay on DawnNews TV, he termed the cases a worrying trend, which is even not good for the state and its institutions.

When asked to comment on the cases, he said he was going to talk openly. However, Wasatullah Jan, one of the three program hosts, on a lighter note, asked him not to be so open to close down the talk show.

Mubashir Zaidi, also a presenter, asked him if he too wanted to be booked.

Harris responded that there was no harm if the 50th case was also registered. “But seriously, I condemn this (registration of cases). When the kingdom is weak, it does not even like a joke. When the kingdom is strong, it even rewards over criticism and satire.”

KEY POINTS:

• 49 cases registered against journalists and social media activists in Pakistan.
• Harris Khalique describes the situation as a worrying trend.
• He emphasizes that a strong state welcomes criticism and satire.
• The discussion took place on DawnNews TV's show Zara Hut Kay.
• Khalique questions the government's reaction to criticism.