President Alvi reiterates his concerns on incidents of violence against journalists & media persons
ISLAMABAD, July 15 (SABAH): In another letter addressed to the Prime Minister on Friday, President Dr. Arif Alvi has asked Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif to direct the concerned Ministries and Departments to take remedial measures and preemptive actions to alleviate apprehensions and grievances of the journalists and media persons against incidents of harassment, physical abuse and violence.
President Dr. Arif Alvi also attached a letter received by him from Arshad Sharif, a leading anchorperson, where he has drawn the attention of the President towards the incidents of harassment while quoting a few eminent journalists and information gathered by him through different sources.
The President said, “The Constitution urges the state to provide due rights and protection to individuals. Pakistan has always strived to do so, but in the case of journalists and media persons, if they feel pressurized, fair criticism within the bounds of law, freedom of expression and then democracy itself is threatened”.
In the letter addressed to the President, Arshad Sharif had alleged that some unscrupulous elements were threatening to endanger his life and requested the President to safeguard his fundamental rights as enshrined in Articles 4, 9, 10A, 14, 18, 19 and 19A of the Constitution of Pakistan.
President Dr. Arif Alvi said that the Prime Minister may kindly direct the concerned Ministries and Departments to take remedial measures and preemptive actions, especially with reference to enclosed letter, and other similar complaints in order to alleviate apprehensions and grievances of journalists and media persons.
Meanwhile President Dr. Arif Alvi on Friday approved the appointment of the members of the senate of the Pakistan Air Force’s Air War College Institute.
The president, also the patron under the 2021 Act of the PAF Air War College Institute, made the appointments in line with Section 8(3) of the Act.
The senate members include the President of Pakistan, Chief of the Air Staff, and the PSO Training and President of Air War College as ex-officio members.
The members also include a representative of the federal government, four experts from relevant fields, one alumnus, two representatives with education background, four faculty members, a representative of the Higher Education Commission, Registrar, and Director Quality Enhancement Cell.
Meanwhile President Dr. Arif Alvi on Friday gave his assent to the National Rahmatullil Alameen and Khatamun Nabiyeen Authority Bill 2022.
The president gave his assent to the said bill under Article 75 of the constitution. The bill provides for the formation of Rahmatullil Alameen and Khatamun Nabiyeen Authority.