The Asia Director of the Human Rights Watch, Brad Adams, has said that a climate of fear has impeded media coverage of abuses both by government security forces and militant groups due to which journalists increasingly practice self-censorship after numerous attacks by militant groups, including the Taliban, in retaliation for criticism, particularly around their extremist diktats.
In a letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan, HRW’s Adams further said that media outlets remain under pressure from the authorities to avoid reporting on several issues, including criticism of government institutions and the judiciary.
“The PTI has been a strong proponent of free expression, including on social media, to criticise state policy and press for change. An independent media is key to robust dialogue that reflects public concerns. Human Rights Watch hopes that the PTI government will foster a culture of political tolerance for media criticism,” the HRW said.
The HRW Asia Director urged the Pakistan government to take concrete steps to protect fundamental civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. It demanded ensuring freedom of expression/stop attacks on civil society; freedom of religion and belief; violence against women and girls; access to education; restoring moratorium on death penalty; and terrorism and counterterrorism abuses.
“Imran Khan has an important opportunity to create a rights-respecting government that abides by the rule of law and restores the public faith in democratic institutions. It is crucial for Pakistan’s development for the government to actively carry out human rights agenda,” the rights watchdog said.
http://www.shiitenews.org/index.php/pakistan/item/35410-pakistani-journalists-under-threat-from-deobandi-terrorists-hrw
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