Sharjeel pays tribute to journalists for ‘invaluable contribution to democracy’

Sindh Senior Minister and Minister for Information, Excise, Taxation, Narcotics Control, Transport, and Mass Transit, Sharjeel Inam has emphasized the invaluable contributions of journalists to democracy in the country, noting that their sacrifices are unforgettable.

Journalists have consistently served as guardians and monitors of democracy. Under the visionary leadership of Shaheed Bibi, the Sindh government has remained steadfast in promoting a free press, constructive dialogue, and mutual understanding, he said in his message on World Press Freedom Day marked on Friday.

Memon highlighted the establishment of the Protection of Journalists Commission as a significant achievement of the Peoples Party. He emphasized that the PPP has consistently prioritized freedom of expression.

He emphasized that prioritizing the welfare of journalists aligns with the vision of Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and President Asif Ali Zardari. He cited numerous instances of cooperation and collaboration between the Sindh government and journalists as evidence of this commitment.

The senior minister emphasized that the Sindh government, led by the Peoples Party, has consistently championed a free press as a means to serve public interests and uphold democratic values. Journalists have continually played a pivotal role in holding governments accountable and promoting accountability and transparency, he remarked.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Karachi Water Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) Engineer Syed Salahuddin Ahmed, in his message, paid tribute to all journalists associated with the field of journalism.

He praised their dedication, faith, courage, and fearless commitment to truth and justice, both globally and in Pakistan.

These journalists are fulfilling their journalistic duties excellently, playing their role in the country’s development, and actively bringing the truth to the public, Ahmed said, adding that the freedom of expression reflects the collective consciousness of any society, but responsible journalism should not be free from social and moral boundaries.

He emphasized that on World Press Freedom Day, they honour the services of the media and hope that all the journalists will continue to play their full role for solving the problems of Pakistan, especially Karachi, and for its development, prosperity and stability.

Hyderabad protest

In Hyderabad, a large number of journalists participated in a protest. They were holding banners and placards, and shouting slogans in favour of the freedom of press.

PFUJ Central Vice President Junaid Khanzada, Hyderabad Press Club President Sajid Khanzada, Senior Journalist Abdul Hafeez Abid, HUJ President Aftab Memon, former Hyderabad Press Club president Muhammad Hussain Khan, journalist Jani Khaskheli spoke on this occasion.

Speakers said that every year, World Press Freedom Day is celebrated, but journalists do not get their rights, and journalists are being punished for showing the truth. The speakers said that no restriction on the freedom of the press will be tolerated and the laws of freedom of the press should be implemented, and the killers of journalists should be arrested and punished severely.

They also paid tribute to the martyred journalists in Gaza and strongly condemned the killing of Press Club president Siddiq Mengal, who was martyred in an explosion in Khuzdar on Friday. They demanded the immediate arrest of the killers. The participants of the demonstration took out a rally from the press club to Radio Pakistan.