KARACHI: Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has emphasized the joint responsibility of the state and society in safeguarding journalists from crimes such as threats, violence, harassment, and murder. In his message marking the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, he highlighted that remaining passive on such issues or allowing offenders to evade justice equates to silencing the truth and suppressing public information.

According to a press release from Media Cell Bilawal House, Bhutto Zardari stated that journalists are crucial in disseminating facts, holding power accountable, and enhancing societal awareness. He warned that allowing crimes against journalists to go unpunished threatens press freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.

Bhutto Zardari noted that the 1973 Constitution guarantees the fundamental right to freedom of expression, highlighting that protecting this right is both a constitutional and moral obligation. He recalled that during Benazir Bhutto's first tenure, oppressive laws from the Zia-ul-Haq era, which curtailed press freedom, were abolished, underscoring the notion that democracy thrives with dissent and a free press.

He reaffirmed the PPP's commitment to advocating for press freedom and journalist protection, asserting that a robust democracy and an informed public are contingent on a free press.