LAHORE: A resolution was submitted to the Punjab Assembly on Friday condemning attacks on journalists and rights activists in the country.

The resolution was submitted by independent MPA Jugnoo Mohsin.

Ms Mohsin drew the attention of the state towards growing incidents of torture and murder of journalists.

Speaking on the floor of the House, she revisited the history of violence against the media persons.

“What is happening to journalists and rights activists here is nothing new. We have fought long and hard for whatever little freedom we enjoy,” she said.

Jugnoo Mohsin also spoke about the recent attacks on Absar Alam and Asad Ali Toor and banning Hamid Mir’s show.

“Being journalist myself with a 30-year experience and since my husband Najam Sethi has been attacked, arrested and disappeared on a number of occasions for his constitutional right to freedom of expression, I know what it feels like so. I am speaking for all the families of the oppressed today,” she said.

Addressing the PTI treasury benches, Ms Mohsin said: “Tomorrow you may be in opposition and you too will need a free press then. You must stand for freedom of expression today to guard your own rights, which you may have to exercise tomorrow.”

Ms Mohsin requested the Chair to table a resolution for the protection of the free media and for the application of the law against those who have persecuted independent journalists.

In the joint resolution with PML-N Azma Bokhari, Jugnoo Mohsin demanded the government ensure protection of the rights of journalists and rights activists, and justice in the recent cases of torture and murder of journalists. She also demanded passage of a bill in this regard from parliament.

Published in Dawn, June 5th, 2021