Pak govt faces criticism for arrest warrant for journalist
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan government is facing criticism for an arrest warrant against journalist Cyril Almeida for treason over an intervew with former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto-zardari has expressed surprise and dismay at the non-bailable warrant issued on Monday by the Lahore high court .
“Treating Mr Almeida like he is a criminal and trying him for treason no less is shocking. This adds on to the perception that media is under siege in Pakistan. Mr Almeida was doing his job — nothing less, nothing more,” he said.
He said the Pakistani media is already facing the worst kind of censorship.
“Dictators who have abrogated the Constitution and have actually committed treason are roaming free while journalists who are only doing their jobs are being tried for treason,” he said.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), an independent body, also expressed concern.
HRCP chairman Mehdi Hasan stated: “The ease with which Mr Almeida’s interview with the former prime minister was perceived as an attempt to allegedly defame state institutions, and the pace at which this has spiralled into charges of treason, only serve to further choke press freedom in Pakistan.”
In Islamabad, addressing the inaugural meeting of a recently established National Interfaith Working Group on Tuesday, Awami National Party (ANP) leader Bushra Gohar said that freedom of religion and speech is a fundamental right of every citizen of Pakistan, but unfortunately it is not being granted.