KARACHI (Nazrana Times): Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, has said that protecting journalists from serious crimes, including threats, violence, harassment and murder, is a shared responsibility of the state and society.

In his message on the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, Bilawal stressed that remaining silent on crimes against journalists or allowing those responsible to escape punishment amounts to silencing the truth, denying justice and suppressing the public's right to information.

According to a press release issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, the PPP chairman said journalists play a fundamental role in bringing facts before the public, holding those in positions of power accountable, and promoting awareness and understanding in society.

He said that allowing perpetrators of crimes against journalists to escape the law poses a serious threat to press freedom, democracy and the rule of law.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said the unanimous Constitution of 1973 guarantees every citizen the fundamental right to freedom of expression, adding that protecting this right is the constitutional and moral responsibility of a democratic state.

He recalled that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, during her first term in government, had abolished the black laws introduced during dictator Zia-ul-Haq's era that were used to suppress press freedom and silence the media.

Bilawal said this historic step reflected the belief that democracy cannot function without space for dissent and a free press.

The PPP chairman reaffirmed that his party would continue its struggle for press freedom, freedom of expression and the protection of journalists. He said that without a free press, democracy cannot grow stronger, nor can people remain informed and empowered.