The most abused freedom in Pakistan

Freedom of expression in Pakistan is the most abused freedom, as some media groups are not inclined to accept the limits imposed in the Constitution. Of course, there is an orchestrated campaign against Pakistan’s military and other institutions in a section of international media; however barring a few honorable examples, English print media in Pakistan is part of the smear campaign. In one of the editorials in renowned English daily, the leader writer stated: “The PTI government’s intentions with regard to the media are rightly fuelling a growing sense of unease. At a Senate standing committee meeting on Thursday, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry announced the draft of the recently proposed Pakistan Media Regulatory Authority under which the existing regulatory bodies are to be consolidated to oversee print, electronic and social media. The statement should raise a red flag, for the prevention of defamation is often a pretext for introducing curbs on the media.”
A recent Reuters report carried by Aljazeera television quoted the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) having stated: “Pakistan’s military is using fear and intimidation to stifle the media and undermine press freedom even as overall violence against reporters has fallen… The military had established lines of control to pressure the media and journalists who pushed back or were overly critical were attacked, threatened or arrested.” But this is propaganda to malign Pakistan military. Looking at scathing criticism of judiciary and military by the media in Pakistan, one could say that media is free; otherwise how they could use vitriolic against the institutions. The international media highlighted the court hearing against journalist Cyril Almeida along with two former PMs of Pakistan, and described it as a new pressure on Pakistani media and an attack on the freedom of speech.
A few Pakistani media houses have joined the chorus alleging that country’s new government favored by military is using intimidating tactics against the media. Recently, CJP Justice Saqib Nisar’s adverse remarks against Punjab CM and PTI parliamentarians show that Judiciary is unbiased. Anyhow, many believed that Nawaz Sharif’s interview to the journalist Cyril Almeida and earlier the Dawn Leaks were violations of the oath. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi is also said to have violated the oath by disclosing the information of NSC Committee’s meeting. Hearing the petition filed by Amina Malik of the Civil Society Network seeking action against former two prime ministers on treason charges for allegedly defaming state institutions in an interview to an English daily over 26/11 Mumbai attacks, a full bench of the Lahore High Court (LHC) ordered Nawaz Sharif and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi to submit their replies till October 22.
As the proceedings commenced, the bench inquired as to why journalist Cyril Almeida, who had interviewed Nawaz Sharif, did not appear despite issuance of notices. However, Almeida appeared before the court, following which the bench withdrew the non-bailable warrant that had been issued during previous proceedings to ensure his attendance. The court also directed removal of Almeida’s name from the Exit Control List, which shows that courts are independent and fair. However, the question is why the same journalist (Cyril Almeida) has always been used to stir controversy by airing news related to Pakistan’s security. No country in the world will allow its citizens and journalists to act against national security. In the interview, Nawaz Sharif with reference to Mumbai attacks had reportedly stated: “Militant organisations are active. Call them non-state actors, should we allow them to cross the border and kill 150 people in Mumbai? Explain it to me. Why can’t we complete the trial?”