HYDERABAD: Rights activists and media persons termed the provision of freedom of expression to every member of society as a necessity. Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) Hyderabad marked International Human Rights Day under the banner of freedom of expression. Senior journalist Sohail Sangi said that to highlight pivotal issues, society’s support is critical and citizens should play their due role in it. They said that current situation in Pakistan in connection with human rights is not hidden from any activist and that political activism was decreasing. They said there were severe restrictions on freedom of expression during Ziaul Haq’s era and everything was controlled by establishment which was violation of human rights. “Don’t think that our media is free to express everything. The state has set limits and media persons have to follow them. Panama leaks does not reflective independency of press but is all about the interests of establishment. It is alarming that social media accounts are not safe as well.” They said that contribution of Sindhi media to mass awareness was appreciable and unforgettable. Activist and writer Dr Mushtaq Mirani stressed that in a society where people are not free to express their views, it is hard to move forward, adding that constant struggle could promote freedom of expression.
Published in Daily Times, December 10th 2017.