HRCP slams attacks on media

LAHORE: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has condemned Sunday’s attacks on cable operators’ offices, blocking of telecasts of a number of TV channels and snatching and burning of copies of newspapers in parts of the country.
In a statement issued by the commission on Monday, HRCP Chairperson Dr Mehdi Hasan said, “HRCP unreservedly condemns the attacks on cable operators’ offices in Karachi and other efforts to block broadcasts of a couple of TV news channels, burning of copies of newspapers snatched from vendors and efforts to prevent distribution of newspapers”.
“HRCP may not be able to join those who are gloating over the hurling of shoes at the country’s president and it has its own views on the continuance of unseemly partisan politics even as the country is devastated by the worst flooding of its history,” he said.
“However, the commission cannot but condemn any form of interference with the media’s freedom of expression in as strong words as possible. Besides, such actions are always counterproductive. The government must take to task all perpetrators of Sunday’s attacks and back up its professions of commitment to freedom of media by taking resolute action to end harassment of journalists, cable operators and newspaper vendors,” he added.
Source: The Daily Times – 10.08.2010