During an interview with Stephen Sackur for BBC programme “HARDTalk” Fawad Chaudhry, The Minister for Information and Broadcasting has denied to accept that Pakistan has failed to protect its journalists as some of them intentionally involves in wrongdoings.
As per to the details, Fawad Chaudhary gave his utmost to negate the impression that journalists are at any more risk in Pakistan than anywhere else in the world.
When Stephen Sackur asked if he agrees that the cornerstone of any democracy is the protection of freedom of expression and independent journalism, Fawad Chaudhry quoted Article 19 of the Constitution that guarantees such protection.
The Information Minister said that “Pakistan is probably one of the freest states as far as media is concerned, We have about 43 international media channels, including BBC, here in Pakistan, we have 112 private channels, 258 FM channels, and 1,569 print publications, “So you can imagine the kind of media we have. The size of the media itself defies your claim,” Chaudhry said
“The situation in Pakistan is not dangerous for journalists only. The situation in the past for Pakistan was dangerous for every citizen because we were fighting this war on terrorism. And yes, many journalists, especially field journalists, have been killed in this war, but so [have] many other civilians.”
Fawad Chaudhary also said that the attacks on journalists have in fact “reduced” since Prime Minister Imran Khan took over, added that “in most of the cases, the culprits were apprehended”
Chaudhary further added that “I am the Information Minister of World’s 5th larger state I am the info min of one of the 7th nuclear states of the world no one can undermine me I am minister with full authority I decide in Pakistan what will happen and what is happening.
Talking about establishment, He said that is one of the most popular elected leaders of Flag of Pakistan, We have immense respect for establishment but it is Imran Khan and his cabinet that takes all the decision.” added that “Pakistan’s army, Pakistan’s ISI respects human rights… they are one of the most civilised armies of the world”
“ISI and Pakistan Army respect human rights”
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) May 28, 2021
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting @FawadChaudhry, HARDtalk Interview pic.twitter.com/NLdp5NI3Nb