Imran Khan denounces media crackdown and journalists' persecution

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 11 June 2024

Imran Khan has criticized the suppression of media and the harassment of journalists in Pakistan. He emphasizes the importance of independent reporting and calls attention to the dangers faced by dissenting voices.

Summary

ISLAMABAD—Jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan has condemned the ongoing suppression of independent media and the persecution of journalists in Pakistan.

In a tweet, Khan underscored the vital role of an independent media as a watchdog that compels the government to correct its course. However, he lamented that in Pakistan, the media has historically been vulnerable to state control, with journalists frequently targeted for their critical views.

Khan highlighted his government's efforts to change this environment by introducing the Protection of Journalists and Media Law. Unfortunately, this law has been sidelined following what he described as an "engineered" Vote of No Confidence (VoNC) that ousted his administration.

"Over the last two years in Pakistan, media has been forced into silence, and journalists who dissent face suppression," Khan tweeted. He cited the case of Arshad Sharif, a journalist driven into exile by severe threats, who was subsequently murdered in Kenya. He also mentioned other prominent journalists, including Dr. Moeed Pirzada, Sabir Shakir, and Wajahat Saeed Khan, who have been compelled to leave the country. Imran Riaz Khan was abducted and tortured for over six months, while Siddique Jan, Sami Ibrahim, Arif Hameed Bhatti, and Adeel Habib have been under constant pressure.

Khan questioned who is behind this systematic oppression, which he saw as a clear violation of Pakistan's Constitution and international commitments. He condemned the crackdown and muzzling of the media through threats, harassment, and oppressive ordinances, stating that these actions are a direct attack on democracy and freedom of expression.