- Info minister says those targeting media are not friends of democracy
- Says govt wants to defuse situation peacefully; holds Khan and Qadri responsible for protestors’ attempts to ransack state installations
Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Senator Pervaiz Rashid on Sunday strongly condemned the torture of media professionals by the police during clashes with protestors in Islamabad, adding that the orders to beat journalists were not issued by higher authorities.
Meanwhile, in an interview, the info minister said that the protesters Saturday attacked the symbol of democracy- Parliament and the symbol of the federation – Aiwan-e-Sadr and held PTI and PAT chairmen Imran Khan and Dr Tahirul Qadri responsible for the “crime”.
Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and Federal Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid have taken notice of police torture on journalists and directed officials concerned to probe the matter.
In a statement, Rashid said that the authorities concerned have been directed to ensure that no hurdle is created by police or protesters in the performance of professional duties by journalists, adding that anyone involved in the torture of media men would be held accountable.
Rashid said those targeting journalists performing their professional obligations, are not the friends of democracy or the democratic system. He said that the government believes in freedom of expression as democracy and media freedom go hand in hand.
In a statement, Nisar said that he has taken notice of the matter and that ordered officials concerned to investigate the police torture and take strict action against those “inflicting violence on journalists.”
At least five media persons were injured, when police thrashed media crew during clashes with protestors in Islamabad, besides smashing the cameras and DSNGs of several news channels.
The brutality invited condemnation from journalist organisations. Pakistan Federal Union of Journalist (PFUJ) has asked Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the interior minister to take action against Islamabad Police inspector general and give him the sack.
DOORS ARE ALWAYS OPEN FOR TALKS:
In an interview, the info minister said that the government will never shut the doors of talks for the sake of national interest, adding that the government wants to defuse the situation peacefully.
He said the government wants to avoid mayhem and clash and that is why it had been trying to contact the leadership of the protesting parties.
He said till Saturday evening, six leaders of PTI including Javed Hashmi, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Jahangir Tareen, Arif Alvi and Shafqat Mahmood were satisfied with the dialogue process and pledged to meet again on Sunday. He regretted that PTI Chairman Imran Khan did not trust his own party’s dialogue committee and provoked his party workers against the State.
Hinting at PTI member Pervaiz Khattak, Rashid said it is regretful that a chief minister is enjoying complete state protocol and facilities and is agitating people against the federal government at the same time.
The minister said the government had already agreed on the demands of the protesting parties including registering FIR against the prime minister and Punjab CM on the basis of “false allegations” in an attempt to pacify the egos of the protesting parties’ leadership.
He said all political forces of the country including media and civil society condemned undemocratic demands of PTI and PAT and supported the government’s stance. He said history will show who is right and who is wrong.