Syed Saleem Shahzad. — File Photo

ISLAMABAD: The government announced on Thursday the formation of a judicial commission headed by a Supreme Court judge to investigate the murder of  journalist Syed Saleem Shahzad, DawnNews reported.

In developments during the early hours of Thursday, Information Minister Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan announced the name of Justice Saqib Nisar of the Supreme Court to head the independent judicial commission to investigate the murder.

The announcement came after a 24-hour sit-in by journalists in front of the Parliament House. The protest camp was visited by parliamentarians, leaders and office-bearers of almost all political parties and members of the civil society and rights groups, who expressed their solidarity with journalists.

Addressing the journalists at the protest, the information minister said it was the government's duty to safeguard the lives of journalists and ensure their well-being. She added that the decision to set up the commission had been made on journalists' demands.

The demonstrators decided to bring the protest to an end following the announcement.

Opinion

Editorial

Hasty transition
Updated 05 May, 2024

Hasty transition

Ostensibly, the aim is to exert greater control over social media and to gain more power to crack down on activists, dissidents and journalists.
One small step…
05 May, 2024

One small step…

THERE is some good news for the nation from the heavens above. On Friday, Pakistan managed to dispatch a lunar...
Not out of the woods
05 May, 2024

Not out of the woods

PAKISTAN’S economic vitals might be showing some signs of improvement, but the country is not yet out of danger....
Rigging claims
Updated 04 May, 2024

Rigging claims

The PTI’s allegations are not new; most elections in Pakistan have been controversial, and it is almost a given that results will be challenged by the losing side.
Gaza’s wasteland
04 May, 2024

Gaza’s wasteland

SINCE the start of hostilities on Oct 7, Israel has put in ceaseless efforts to depopulate Gaza, and make the Strip...
Housing scams
04 May, 2024

Housing scams

THE story of illegal housing schemes in Punjab is the story of greed, corruption and plunder. Major players in these...