LAHORE: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) is perturbed by the rapidly eroding space for freedom of expression in the country.

The right to know, dissent and free expression of ideas is essential to any democratic setup. Without the free flow of information and ideas there can be no informed discourse between citizens, which will breed further divisions and intolerance within society.

In a statement issued on the eve of Human Rights Day, the commission states: “In the lead up to the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 2018, HRCP believes that the shrinking space for freedom of expression in Pakistan is extremely disturbing. Stifling citizens’ freedom of expression will lead to the negation of all other human rights.”

“In recent months a range of measures have been implemented to restrict Pakistani media’s voice, using methods like clampdowns, stoppages, manipulation, enforcement of the draconian Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 and increasing threats and intimidation of journalists. The recent 28-hour blackout of private news channels across the country by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority, to cover up the failure of the government’s Faizabad operation from the public, was a disproportionate unilateral action taken by a government body to silence the media’s voice.

“Anyone trying to circumvent these curbs has been routinely abducted by the security forces. These enforced disappearances have included social media activists, news reporters, bloggers, journalists and human rights defenders. The latest victim is Raza Khan, an Indo-Pak peace activist and convener of Aghaz-e-Dosti, who was picked up earlier this week.”

“All such actions are clearly having a chilling effect on civil society’s ability to exercise its freedom of expression for fear of the serious repercussions for speaking out freely.”

HRCP emphasises that “the government needs to stop ignoring the prevailing situation and resist from being part of any repressive measures which threaten freedom of expression. On the other hand, those responsible for expressing and disseminating information to the general public, especially mainstream media persons, need to act responsibly and ethically to ensure that an impartial and objective viewpoint is presented. They must not use the platforms they control for personal agendas nor be swayed by attempts at intimidation and coercion.”

Published in Dawn, December 10th, 2017