ISLAMABAD (NPTV/Radio Pakistan): On the occasion of International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, Acting President Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani maintained that freedom of Press was indispensable for the stability of democracy.

Holding that violence against journalists weakened democracy Gillani said the Constitution of Pakistan also guaranteed the right to freedom of expression, freedom of the Press and access to information. He said steps have also been taken to protect journalists and media workers in Pakistan.

Gillani pointed out that Pakistan had passed the Journalists and Media Workers Protection Act 2021 for the protection of journalists, while health insurance for journalists had also been introduced. Acting President stated that there was need to adopt an integrated strategy and comprehensive system for the protection of journalists.

Acting President Gillani, observing that Israeli bombardment in Gaza had claimed lives of 130 Media workers, urged the international community to hold Israel accountable for crimes against journalists.

PM Shehbaz Sharif opined that freedom of the Press was not possible sans protection of Media Workers. He appreciated that despite violence, threats, kidnapping and murder, journalists risk their lives even in conflict and war zones in order to inform the populace about the true state of affairs.

Pointing out that journalists in Pakistan had given great sacrifices for democracy, supremacy of the Constitution and rule of law, PM said his government was determined to prevent crimes against journalists and bring the culprits to book.

Newspakistan.tv